Chapter 1 Definitions and General Code Provisions
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31-1-1.
Short title.
Chapters 1 — 27 of this title may be cited as the “Motor Vehicle Code”.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 39, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-1 .
=======History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 39, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-1 .
Cross References.
Motor freight carriers, regulation, § 39-12-1 et seq.
Motor passenger carriers, regulation, § 39-13-1 et seq.
Taxicabs and limited public motor vehicles, regulation, § 39-14-1 et seq.
Collateral References.
Instruction on “unavoidable accident,” “mere accident,” or the like, in motor vehicle cases—modern cases. 21 A.L.R.5th 82.
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31-1-2.
Applicability of definitions.
Except as otherwise provided, the following definitions of the words and phrases in this chapter apply throughout this title.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-2 ; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 3.
=======History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-2 ; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 3.
Comparative Legislation.
Motor vehicles:
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-1 et seq.
Mass. Ann. Laws ch. 90, § 1 et seq.
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31-1-3.
Types of vehicles.
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“Antique motor car” means any motor vehicle that is more than twenty-five (25) years old. Unless fully inspected and meeting inspection requirements, the vehicle may be maintained solely for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public interest. The vehicle may also be used for limited enjoyment and purposes other than the previously mentioned activities, but may not be used primarily for the transportation of passengers or goods over any public highway.
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After the vehicle has met the requirements of state inspection, a registration plate may be issued to it on payment of the standard fee. The vehicle may be operated on the highways of this and other states, and may, in addition to the registration plate, retain the designation “antique” and display an “antique plate.”
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For any vehicle that is more than twenty-five (25) years old, the division of motor vehicles may also issue or approve, subject to rules and regulations that may be promulgated by the administrator, a “year of manufacture plate” for the vehicle that is an exact replica plate designating the exact year of manufacture of the vehicle. The year of manufacture plate, as authorized by this subsection, need only be attached to the rear of the vehicle.
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“Antique motorcycle” means any motorcycle that is more than twenty-five (25) years old. Unless fully inspected and meeting inspection requirements, the vehicle shall be maintained solely for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public interest. The vehicle may also be used for limited enjoyment and purposes other than the previously mentioned activities, but may not be used primarily for the transportation of passengers or goods over any public highway; and
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After the vehicle has met the requirements of state inspection, a registration plate may be issued to it, on payment of the standard fee, and the vehicle may be operated on the highways of this and other states, and may, in addition to the registration plate, retain the designation “antique” and display an “antique plate.”
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“Authorized emergency vehicle” means vehicles of the fire department (fire patrol); police vehicles; vehicles of the department of corrections while in the performance of official duties; vehicles used by the state bomb squad within the office of state fire marshal; vehicles of municipal departments or public service corporations designated or authorized by the administrator as ambulances and emergency vehicles; and privately owned motor vehicles of volunteer firefighters or privately owned motor vehicles of volunteer ambulance drivers or attendants, as authorized by the department chief or commander and permitted by the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs and Rhode Island Association of Police Chiefs Joint Committee for Volunteer Warning Light Permits.
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“Automobile” means, for registration purposes, every motor vehicle carrying passengers other than for hire.
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“Bicycle” means every vehicle having two (2) tandem wheels, except scooters and similar devices, propelled exclusively by human power, and upon which a person may ride.
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“Camping recreational vehicle” means a vehicular type camping unit, certified by the manufacturer as complying with ANSI A119.2 Standards, designed primarily as temporary living quarters for recreation that has either its own motor power or is mounted on, or towed by, another vehicle. The basic units are tent trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, motorized campers, travel trailers, and pick-up campers.
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“Electric motorized bicycle” means a motorized bicycle that may be propelled by human power or electric motor power, or by both, with an electric motor rated not more than two (2) (S.A.E.) horsepower, that is capable of a maximum speed of not more than twenty-five (25) miles per hour.
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“Electric personal assistive mobility device” (“EPAMD”) is a self-balancing, non-tandem two-wheeled (2) device, designed to transport only one person, with an electric propulsion system that limits the maximum speed of the device to fifteen (15) miles per hour.
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“Fifth-wheel trailer”: A towable recreational vehicle, not exceeding four hundred (400) square feet in area, designed to be towed by a motorized vehicle that contains a towing mechanism that is mounted above or forward of the tow vehicle’s rear axle and that is eligible to be registered for highway use.
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“Hearse” means every motor vehicle used for transporting human corpses. A hearse shall be considered an automobile for registration purposes.
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“Jitney or bus” means: (1) A “public bus” that includes every motor vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer, tractor trailer, or tractor trailer combination, used for the transportation of passengers for hire, and operated wholly or in part upon any street or highway as a means of transportation similar to that afforded by a street railway company, by indiscriminately receiving or discharging passengers, or running on a regular route or over any portion of one, or between fixed termini; or (2) A “private bus” that includes every motor vehicle other than a public bus or passenger van designed for carrying more than ten (10) passengers and used for the transportation of persons, and every motor vehicle other than a taxicab designed and used for the transportation of persons for compensation.
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“Motorcycle” means only those motor vehicles having not more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground and a saddle on which the driver sits astride, except bicycles with helper motors as defined in subsection (n) of this section.
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“Motor-driven cycle” means every motorcycle, including every motor scooter, with a motor of no greater than five (5) horsepower, except bicycles with helper motors as defined in subsection (n) of this section.
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“Motorized bicycles” means two-wheel (2) vehicles that may be propelled by human power or helper power, or by both, with a motor rated not more than four and nine-tenths (4.9) horsepower and not greater than fifty (50) cubic centimeters, that are capable of a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour.
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“Motorized camper”: A camping recreational vehicle, built on, or permanently attached to, a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis cab or van that is an integral part of the completed vehicle.
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“Motorized tricycles” means tricycles that may be propelled by human power or helper motor, or by both, with a motor rated no more than 1.5 brake horsepower that is capable of a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour.
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“Motorized wheelchair” means any self-propelled vehicle, designed for, and used by, a person with a disability that is incapable of speed in excess of eight (8) miles per hour.
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“Motor scooter” means a motor-driven cycle with a motor rated not more than four and nine-tenths (4.9) horsepower and not greater than fifty (50) cubic centimeters that is capable of a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour.
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“Motor vehicle” means every vehicle that is self-propelled or propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails, except vehicles moved exclusively by human power, an EPAMD and electric motorized bicycles as defined in subsection (g) of this section, and motorized wheelchairs.
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“Motor vehicle for hire” means every motor vehicle other than jitneys, public buses, hearses, and motor vehicles used chiefly in connection with the conduct of funerals, to transport persons for compensation in any form, or motor vehicles rented for transporting persons either with or without furnishing an operator.
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“Natural gas vehicle” means a vehicle operated by an engine fueled primarily by natural gas.
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“Park trailer”: A camping recreational vehicle that is eligible to be registered for highway use and meets the following criteria: (1) Built on a single chassis mounted on wheels; and (2) Certified by the manufacturer as complying with ANSI A119.5.
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“Passenger van” means every motor vehicle capable of carrying ten (10) to fourteen (14) passengers plus an operator and used for personal use or on a not-for-hire basis. Passenger vans may be used for vanpools, transporting passengers to and from work locations, provided that the operator receives no remuneration other than free use of the vehicle.
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“Pedal carriage” (also known as “quadricycles”) means a nonmotorized bicycle with four (4) or more wheels operated by one or more persons for the purpose of, or capable of, transporting additional passengers in seats or on a platform made a part of or otherwise attached to the pedal carriage. The term shall not include a bicycle with trainer or beginner wheels affixed to it, nor shall it include a wheelchair or other vehicle with the purpose of operation by or for the transportation of a person with a disability, nor shall it include a tricycle built for a child or an adult with a seat for only one operator and no passenger.
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“Pick-up camper”: A camping recreational vehicle consisting of a roof, floor, and sides designed to be loaded onto and unloaded from the back of a pick-up truck.
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“Rickshaw” (also known as “pedi cab”) means a nonmotorized bicycle with three (3) wheels operated by one person for the purpose of, or capable of, transporting additional passengers in seats or on a platform made a part of, or otherwise attached to, the rickshaw. This definition shall not include a bicycle built for two (2) where the operators are seated one behind the other, nor shall it include the operation of a bicycle with trainer or beginner wheels affixed thereto, nor shall it include a wheelchair or other vehicle with the purpose of operation by or for the transportation of a person with a disability.
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“School bus” means every motor vehicle owned by a public or governmental agency, when operated for the transportation of children to or from school; or privately owned, when operated for compensation for the transportation of children to or from school.
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“Suburban vehicle” means every motor vehicle with a convertible or interchangeable body or with removable seats, usable for both passenger and delivery purposes, and including motor vehicles commonly known as station or depot wagons or any vehicle into which access can be gained through the rear by means of a hatch or trunk and where the rear seats can be folded down to permit the carrying of articles as well as passengers.
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“Tent trailer”: A towable recreational vehicle that is mounted on wheels and constructed with collapsible partial side walls that fold for towing by another vehicle and unfold for use and that is eligible to be registered for highway use.
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“Trackless trolley coach” means every motor vehicle that is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated on rails.
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“Travel trailer”: A towable recreational vehicle, not exceeding three hundred twenty square feet (320 sq. ft.) in area, designed to be towed by a motorized vehicle containing a towing mechanism that is mounted behind the tow vehicle’s bumper and that is eligible to be registered for highway use.
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“Vehicle” means every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.
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- “Antique motor car” means any motor vehicle that is more than twenty-five (25) years old. Unless fully inspected and meeting inspection requirements, the vehicle may be maintained solely for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public interest. The vehicle may also be used for limited enjoyment and purposes other than the previously mentioned activities, but may not be used primarily for the transportation of passengers or goods over any public highway.
- After the vehicle has met the requirements of state inspection, a registration plate may be issued to it on payment of the standard fee. The vehicle may be operated on the highways of this and other states, and may, in addition to the registration plate, retain the designation “antique” and display an “antique plate.”
- For any vehicle that is more than twenty-five (25) years old, the division of motor vehicles may also issue or approve, subject to rules and regulations that may be promulgated by the administrator, a “year of manufacture plate” for the vehicle that is an exact replica plate designating the exact year of manufacture of the vehicle. The year of manufacture plate, as authorized by this subsection, need only be attached to the rear of the vehicle.
- “Antique motorcycle” means any motorcycle that is more than twenty-five (25) years old. Unless fully inspected and meeting inspection requirements, the vehicle shall be maintained solely for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public interest. The vehicle may also be used for limited enjoyment and purposes other than the previously mentioned activities, but may not be used primarily for the transportation of passengers or goods over any public highway; and
- After the vehicle has met the requirements of state inspection, a registration plate may be issued to it, on payment of the standard fee, and the vehicle may be operated on the highways of this and other states, and may, in addition to the registration plate, retain the designation “antique” and display an “antique plate.”
History of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 2; P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 3; P.L. 1953 (1st S.S.), ch. 3236, § 1; P.L. 1954, ch. 3378, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-3 ; P.L. 1964, ch. 214, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 252, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 58, § 3; P.L. 1976, ch. 64, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 64, § 2; P.L. 1978, ch. 377, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 413, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 476, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 369, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 654, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 208, § 4; P.L. 1997, ch. 186, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 68; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 68; P.L. 1999, ch. 447, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 56, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 136, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 360, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 397, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 380, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 11, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 12, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 239, § 25; P.L. 2014, ch. 344, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 389, § 1; P.L 2014, ch. 454, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 547, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 39, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 45, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 58, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 73, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 288, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 301, § 1.
=======History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 2; P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 3; P.L. 1953 (1st S.S.), ch. 3236, § 1; P.L. 1954, ch. 3378, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-3 ; P.L. 1964, ch. 214, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 252, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 58, § 3; P.L. 1976, ch. 64, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 64, § 2; P.L. 1978, ch. 377, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 413, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 476, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 369, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 654, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 208, § 4; P.L. 1997, ch. 186, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 68; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 68; P.L. 1999, ch. 447, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 56, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 136, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 360, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 397, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 380, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 11, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 12, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 239, § 25; P.L. 2014, ch. 344, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 389, § 1; P.L 2014, ch. 454, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 547, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 39, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 45, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 58, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 73, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 288, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 301, § 1.
Compiler’s Notes.
P.L. 2014, ch. 344, § 1, and P.L. 2014, ch. 389, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 454, § 1, and P.L. 2014, ch. 547, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 39, § 1, and P.L. 2018, ch. 45, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
Pursuant to § 23-28.2-1 , as amended by P.L. 2018, ch. 47, art. 3, § 4, the division of state fire marshal is now the office of the state fire marshal within the Division of Building, Design and Fire Professionals, and the reference in subsection (c) of this section has been changed accordingly.
This section was amended by four acts (P.L. 2019, ch. 58, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 73, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 288, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 301, § 1) as passed by the 2019 General Assembly. Since the acts are not in conflict with each other, the section is set out as amended by all four acts.
P.L. 2019, ch. 58, § 1, and P.L. 2019, ch. 73, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 288, § 1, and P.L. 2019, ch. 301, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
Effective Dates.
P.L. 2014, ch. 344, § 2 provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on July 1, 2015.
P.L. 2014, ch. 389, § 2 provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on July 1, 2015.
P.L. 2018, ch. 39, § 3, provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on January 1, 2019.
P.L. 2018, ch. 45, § 3, provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on January 1, 2019.
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>>>>>>> origin/main Applicability.
P.L. 2002, ch. 136, § 4 provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect upon passage [June 15, 2002] but until further action by the general assembly the operation of an EPAMD on sidewalks, bicycle paths and trails is limited to government agencies, including law enforcement personnel in the performance of their duties.
P.L. 2002, ch. 397, § 4 provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect upon passage [June 28, 2002] but until further action by the general assembly the operation of an EPAMD on sidewalks, bicycle paths and trails is limited to government agencies, including law enforcement personnel in the performance of their duties.
Law Reviews.
2002 Survey of Rhode Island Law, see 8 Roger Williams U.L. Rev. 421 (2003).
NOTES TO DECISIONS
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Motor Vehicle.
Car which an insured found at a salvage yard was not a “motor vehicle” within the meaning of his automobile insurance policy, and the trial court ruled correctly that a company which issued the insured’s policy was entitled to summary judgment in its action seeking a declaration that it did not have an obligation to compensate the insured for injuries he sustained when the car fell on him. Casco Indem. Co. v. Gonsalves, 839 A.2d 546, 2004 R.I. LEXIS 8 (R.I. 2004).
Motor Vehicles for Hire.
Definition of “motor vehicles for hire” include all vehicles used for that purpose without regard to the precise method under which the vehicle was used. Broadway Auto Sales v. Asselin, 93 R.I. 403 , 176 A.2d 714, 1961 R.I. LEXIS 128 (1961).
In view of the provision of § 31-1-2 that certain definitions set out in this section are to be applied to the term so defined whenever it is used in the Motor Vehicle Code Act, the court would be bound by the definition of a “motor vehicle for hire” set out in that section in ascertaining whether a particular vehicle is for hire within the purview of the double registration fee provisions of § 31-6-1 . Broadway Auto Sales v. Asselin, 93 R.I. 403 , 176 A.2d 714, 1961 R.I. LEXIS 128 (1961).
Collateral References.
“Motor vehicle”, meaning of term. 48 A.L.R. 1090; 70 A.L.R. 1253.
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31-1-3.1.
Autocycles.
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“Autocycle” means only those motor vehicles that:
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Do not have more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground;
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Are designed to be controlled with a steering wheel and foot pedals for acceleration, braking, or shifting;
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Are equipped with seating that does not require occupants to straddle or sit astride the seating; and
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Are manufactured and certified to comply with federal safety requirements for a motorcycle.
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Except as otherwise provided in this title, an “autocycle” shall be considered to be a “motorcycle” as defined in §
31-1-3(l)
.
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- Do not have more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground;
- Are designed to be controlled with a steering wheel and foot pedals for acceleration, braking, or shifting;
- Are equipped with seating that does not require occupants to straddle or sit astride the seating; and
- Are manufactured and certified to comply with federal safety requirements for a motorcycle.
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P.L. 2016, ch. 390, § 1, and P.L. 2016, ch. 404, § 1 enacted identical versions of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 3; P.L. 1951, ch. 2826, § 1; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-4
; P.L. 1983, ch. 294, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 324, § 9; P.L. 2018, ch. 39, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 45, § 1.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 3; P.L. 1951, ch. 2826, § 1; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-4
; P.L. 1983, ch. 294, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 324, § 9; P.L. 2018, ch. 39, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 45, § 1.
P.L. 2018, ch. 39, § 1, and P.L. 2018, ch. 45, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 39, § 3, provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on January 1, 2019.
P.L. 2018, ch. 45, § 3, provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on January 1, 2019.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 4; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-5
; P.L. 2010, ch. 239, § 25; P.L. 2018, ch. 39, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 45, § 1.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 4; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-5
; P.L. 2010, ch. 239, § 25; P.L. 2018, ch. 39, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 45, § 1.
P.L. 2018, ch. 39, § 1, and P.L. 2018, ch. 45, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 39, § 3, provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on January 1, 2019.
P.L. 2018, ch. 45, § 3, provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on January 1, 2019.
Vehicle.
In the context of
R.I. Gen. Laws
§
31-1-3
, as amended by 1997 R.I. Pub. Laws 186, § 1, a trailer is a “vehicle” but not a “motor vehicle.” LePage v. Babcock, 839 A.2d 1226,
2004 R.I. LEXIS 12
(R.I. 2004).
In the context of
R.I. Gen. Laws
§
31-1-3
, as amended by 1997 R.I. Pub. Laws 186, § 1, a trailer is a “vehicle” but not a “motor vehicle.” LePage v. Babcock, 839 A.2d 1226,
2004 R.I. LEXIS 12
(R.I. 2004).
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History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 390, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 404, § 1.
Compiler’s Notes.
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31-1-4.
Trucks and tractors.
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History of Section.
Compiler’s Notes.
Effective Dates.
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31-1-5.
Trailers.
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History of Section.
Compiler’s Notes.
Effective Dates.
NOTES TO DECISIONS
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Vehicle.
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-1-6. Specially constructed and reconstructed vehicles.
- “Essential parts” means all integral and body parts of a vehicle of a type that must be registered under chapters 3 — 9 of this title, the removal, alteration, or substitution of which would tend to conceal the identity of the vehicle or substantially alter its appearance, model, type, or mode of operation.
- “Reconstructed vehicle” means every vehicle of a type that must be registered under chapters 3 — 9 of this title, which has been materially altered from its original construction by the removal, addition, or substitution of essential parts, new or used.
- “Specially constructed vehicle” means every vehicle of a type that must be registered under chapters 3 — 9 of this title, but not originally constructed under a distinctive name, make, model, or type by a generally recognized manufacturer of vehicles; provided, that specially constructed vehicles shall include hand-built, home-built, and one-off cars that do not resemble any production car. Specially constructed vehicles shall be entitled to standard passenger automobile plates; provided, that all safety and emissions standards applied to reconstructed vehicles are met.
History of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 5; P.L. 1951, ch. 2826, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-6 ; P.L. 2013, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 203, § 1.
=======History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 5; P.L. 1951, ch. 2826, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-6 ; P.L. 2013, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 203, § 1.
Compiler’s Notes.
P.L. 2013, ch. 188, § 1, and P.L. 2013, ch. 203, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
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31-1-7.
Foreign vehicle.
“Foreign vehicle” means every vehicle, of a type that must be registered under chapters 3 — 9 of this title, brought into this state from another state, territory or country, other than in the ordinary course of business by or through a manufacturer or dealer, and not registered in this state.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-7 .
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History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 6; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-7
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-7 .
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-1-8. Farm vehicle.
“Farm vehicle” means every vehicle which is designed for and used for agricultural purposes and used by the owner of the vehicle or family member(s) or employee(s) or designees of the owner, in the conduct of the owner’s agricultural operations, which use shall include the delivery of agricultural products produced by the farmer but shall not include commercial hire for nonagricultural uses, including, but not limited to, hauling of sand and gravel, snow plowing, land clearing for other than agricultural purposes or directly on the vehicle owner’s farm, and landscaping. For an owner to qualify as having agricultural purposes, the owner shall provide evidence that he or she meets the requirements of § 44-18-30 .
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-8 ; P.L. 2002, ch. 404, § 1.
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History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 7; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-8
; P.L. 2002, ch. 404, § 1.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-8 ; P.L. 2002, ch. 404, § 1.
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-1-9. Mobile equipment.
“Mobile equipment” means every vehicle not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property and only incidentally operated or moved over a highway, including but not limited to: ditch digging apparatus, well boring apparatus, and road construction or maintenance machinery such as asphalt spreaders, bituminous mixers, bucket loaders, tractors other than truck tractors, ditchers, leveling graders, finishing machines, motor graders, road rollers, scarifiers, earth moving carry-alls and scrapers, power shovels and drag lines, and self-propelled cranes and earth moving equipment. The term does not include house trailers, dump trucks, truck mounted transit mixers, cranes, or shovels, or other vehicles designed for the transportation of persons or property to which machinery has been attached.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-9 ; P.L. 1959, ch. 123, § 1.
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History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 8; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-9
; P.L. 1959, ch. 123, § 1.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-9 ; P.L. 1959, ch. 123, § 1.
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-1-10. Types of tires.
- “Metal tire” means every tire having a surface made wholly or partly of metal, or other hard, non-resilient material, in contact with the highway.
- “Pneumatic tire” means every tire in which compressed air is designed to support the load.
- “Solid rubber tire” means every solid tire constructed of rubber or other nonmetallic substances, except pneumatic tires.
History of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-10 .
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 9; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-10
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-10 .
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-1-11. Railroads and trains.
- “Railroad” means a carrier of persons or property upon cars, other than streetcars, operated upon stationary rails.
- “Railroad train” means an engine driven by steam, electric, or other means, excluding streetcars, with or without cars coupled to it, operated upon stationary rails.
History of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-11 .
=======History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-11 .
Collateral References.
Validity, construction, and effect of § 102(a) of Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act (49 USCS § 11501). 143 A.L.R. Fed. 347.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-1-12.
Explosives and flammable liquids.
-
“Explosive” means any chemical compound or chemical mixture that is commonly used or intended for the purpose of producing an explosion and which contains any oxidizing and combustive units or other ingredients in such proportions, quantities, or packing that an ignition by fire, friction, concussion, percussion, or detonation of any part of the compound or mixture may cause a sudden generation of highly heated gases with resultant gaseous pressures capable of producing destructive effects on contiguous objects or of destroying life or limb.
-
“Flammable liquid” means any liquid which has a flash point of seventy degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees F.), or less, as determined by a tagliabue or equivalent closed cup test device.
<<<<<<< HEAD
History of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-12 .
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 11; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-12
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-12 .
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-1-13. Gross weight.
“Gross weight” means the weight of a vehicle without load plus the maximum weight of any load allowed to be carried on the vehicle. Maximum weight shall be determined by the manufacturer’s allowed gross weight, or as determined by the division.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-13 ; P.L. 1969, ch. 173, § 1.
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 12; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-13
; P.L. 1969, ch. 173, § 1.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-13 ; P.L. 1969, ch. 173, § 1.
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-1-14. Renewal.
“Renewal” means the reissuance of a registration, license, or instruction permit, issued under the provisions of chapters 1 — 27 of this title, the term of which has expired.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 13; P.L. 1952, ch. 2937, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-14 .
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 13; P.L. 1952, ch. 2937, § 1; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-14
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 13; P.L. 1952, ch. 2937, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-14 .
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-1-15. Suspension, revocation, and cancellation.
- “Cancellation” means the registration, driver’s license, or instruction permit is annulled and terminated because of some error or defect or because the former bearer is no longer entitled to one, but the cancellation is without prejudice and a new application may be made at any time after the cancellation.
- “Revocation” means the registration, driver’s license, instruction permit and privilege to drive a motor vehicle on the public highways is terminated and shall not be renewed or restored, except that an application for a new registration, license, or the privilege to drive may be presented and acted upon in accordance with the provisions of chapters 1 — 27 of this title.
- “Suspension” means the registration, license, or instruction permit and privilege to drive a motor vehicle on the public highways is withdrawn for a specified period.
History of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 14; P.L. 1951, ch. 2826, § 3; P.L. 1952, ch. 2937, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-15 .
=======History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 14; P.L. 1951, ch. 2826, § 3; P.L. 1952, ch. 2937, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-15 .
Collateral References.
Validity and application of statute or regulation authorizing revocation or suspension of driver’s license for reason unrelated to use of, or ability to operate, motor vehicle. 18 A.L.R.5th 542.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-1-16.
Administrator and division.
-
“Administrator” means the administrator of the division of motor vehicles of this state.
-
“Division” means the division of motor vehicles within the department of revenue of this state acting directly or through its authorized officers and agents.
<<<<<<< HEAD
History of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-16 ; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 2.
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 15; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-16
; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 2.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-16 ; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 2.
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-1-17. Types of persons.
- “Bailee” means a bailee is one to whom possession of personal property has been entrusted by the bailor for a specific purpose resulting from either an express or implied contract, with the understanding that this personal property shall be returned to the bailor or any person designated by the bailor when the terms and purposes of the contract have been accomplished.
- “Chauffeur” means any person who drives a jitney, bus, school bus, motor vehicle used principally for hire with operator, or trackless trolley coach, regardless of the vehicle’s capacity, and any person who drives a truck, tractor, or tractor semi-trailer, if the gross vehicle weight is twenty-six thousand and one pounds (26,001 lbs.) or more. Proper officers and drivers of fire apparatus when in the performance of their duties are not deemed to be chauffeurs.
- “Driver” means any operator or chauffeur who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle.
- “Operator” means every person, other than a chauffeur, who drives or is in actual physical control of a motor vehicle upon a highway or who is exercising control over or steering a vehicle being towed by a motor vehicle.
- “Owner” means a person who holds the legal title to a vehicle. In the event a vehicle is the subject of an agreement for conditional sale or lease with right of purchase upon performance of stated conditions and immediate right of possession vested in the vendee or lessee, or in the event a mortgagor of a vehicle is entitled to possession, then the conditional vendee, lessee, or mortgagor is deemed the owner for the purposes of chapters 1 — 27 of this title.
- “Pedestrian” means any person afoot.
- “Person” means every individual, firm, partnership, corporation, or association.
- “Skateboarder, rollerskater, inline skater, or scooter rider” means any person who utilizes a human-powered device containing any number of wheels, whether in tandem or inline, which enables the person to propel himself or herself in a given direction.
History of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 16; P.L. 1951, ch. 2826, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-17 ; P.L. 1984, ch. 295, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 417, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 202, § 1.
=======History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 16; P.L. 1951, ch. 2826, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-17 ; P.L. 1984, ch. 295, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 417, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 202, § 1.
Law Reviews.
2002 Survey of Rhode Island Law, see 8 Roger Williams U.L. Rev. 421 (2003).
NOTES TO DECISIONS
- <<<<<<< HEAD ======= >>>>>>> origin/main Bailee.
- <<<<<<< HEAD ======= >>>>>>> origin/main Driver.
- <<<<<<< HEAD ======= >>>>>>> origin/main Operator.
- <<<<<<< HEAD ======= >>>>>>> origin/main Owner.
Bailee.
Where automobile repairman agreed to repair and “return” vehicle, driver acting for such bailee in returning vehicle was servant of bailee and not agent of owner. Battista v. Muscatelli, 106 R.I. 514 , 261 A.2d 636, 1970 R.I. LEXIS 953 (1970).
Driver.
The mere fact that the defendant knowingly and purposely turned on the ignition of the vehicle and set it in motion within the parking area itself was sufficient to constitute a violation of § 31-11-18.1 . State v. Morris, 666 A.2d 419, 1995 R.I. LEXIS 226 (R.I. 1995).
Operator.
Superior court erred in dismissing the charges against defendant for driving under the influence of liquor resulting in serious bodily injury, driving so as to endanger resulting in serious bodily injury, and driving with a revoked license because an operator may be distinct and separate from a driver in certain circumstances, and by forcibly seizing control of a moving vehicle when he jumped up from the backseat and grabbed the steering wheel—thus divesting the driver of control—and steering the vehicle off the highway, causing a roll-over crash, defendant placed himself squarely in the realm of an operator of a vehicle. State v. Peters, 172 A.3d 156, 2017 R.I. LEXIS 107 (R.I. 2017).
Owner.
Intent of legislature was to expand concept of what constitutes “owner” so as to include one having no legal title but having lawful possession and control thereof, as for example, a vendee under a conditional sale. Avedesian v. Butler Auto Sales, 93 R.I. 4 , 170 A.2d 604, 1961 R.I. LEXIS 71 (1961).
In a prosecution for driving a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner under § 31-9-1 , the defendant was not the “owner” of the vehicle under subsection (b) (now (e)) of this section although he paid a $250 deposit, which took the car off the market but which did not operate to transfer ownership, and since no conditional sales contract existed transferring possession of the vehicle. State v. Malstrom, 672 A.2d 448, 1996 R.I. LEXIS 62 (R.I. 1996).
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-1-18.
Resident and nonresident.
-
“Nonresident” means any person who is not a resident of this state or is temporarily residing in this state as a student or as a member of the armed forces of the United States.
-
“Resident” means a person:
-
Who owns, rents, or leases real estate within the state as his or her residence and:
-
Engages in a trade, business, or profession in this state; or
-
Enrolls his or her children in a school in this state for a period exceeding ninety (90) days; or
-
Who is registered to vote or is eligible to register to vote under the laws of this state.
<<<<<<< HEAD
-
Who owns, rents, or leases real estate within the state as his or her residence and:
- Engages in a trade, business, or profession in this state; or
- Enrolls his or her children in a school in this state for a period exceeding ninety (90) days; or
- Who is registered to vote or is eligible to register to vote under the laws of this state.
History of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 17; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-18 ; P.L. 1966, ch. 104, § 1.
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 17; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-18
; P.L. 1966, ch. 104, § 1.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 17; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-18 ; P.L. 1966, ch. 104, § 1.
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-1-19. Types of business.
- “Applicant” means any person, firm, corporation, or association making application under chapters 1 — 27 of this title.
- “Dealer” means every person engaged in the business of buying, selling, or exchanging vehicles required to be registered under chapters 3 — 9 of this title, and who has an established place of business for that purpose in this state.
- “Distributor” means every person, resident, or nonresident of this state, who sells or distributes motor vehicles to motor vehicle dealers in this state, or who maintains a distributor representative in this state.
- “Factory branch” means every branch office maintained by a manufacturer for the sale of motor vehicles to distributors, or for the sale of motor vehicles to motor vehicle dealers or for directing or supervising, in whole or in part, its representatives in this state.
- “Factory representative” means every representative employed by a manufacturer or by a factory branch for the purpose of making or promoting the sale of its motor vehicles, or for supervising or contacting its dealers or prospective dealers.
- “Licensee” means any person receiving a license under chapters 1 — 27 of this title.
- “Licensor” means either the administrator, an authorized representative, or both, who are authorized to issue a license under chapters 1 — 27 of this title.
- “Manufacturer” means every person engaged in the business of constructing or assembling vehicles required to be registered under chapters 3 — 9 of this title at an established place of business in this state.
- “New and unused motor vehicle dealer” means every person, firm, or corporation which sells, solicits, or advertises the sale of new and unused motor vehicles; holds a bona fide contract or franchise in effect with a manufacturer or distributor of the vehicle(s) to be dealt in; maintains adequate space in the building or structure where the established business is conducted for the display of those vehicle(s); provides for vehicle repair and servicing; and stores parts and accessories for those motor vehicles.
- “Transporter” means every person engaged in the business of delivering vehicles required to be registered under chapter 3 of this title from a manufacturing, assembling, and distributing plant to a point of destination or for the purpose of weighing, testing, transporting, or delivering that vehicle, or for the purpose of moving that vehicle in connection with making installations on or improvements to it, or for repossession of or foreclosure of it.
- “Wrecker” means every person engaged in the business of wrecking or dismantling motor vehicles for the resale of the parts or material from them.
History of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 18; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-19 ; P.L. 1960, ch. 155, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 189, § 1.
=======History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 18; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-19 ; P.L. 1960, ch. 155, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 189, § 1.
Collateral References.
Business of selling motor vehicles, regulation or licensing of. 57 A.L.R.2d 1265.
Validity and construction of statute regulating dealings between automobile manufacturers, distributors, and dealers. 7 A.L.R.3d 1173; 82 A.L.R.4th 624.
What constitutes use of vehicle “in the automobile business” within exclusionary clause of liability policy. 71 A.L.R.2d 964; 56 A.L.R.4th 300.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-1-20.
Established place of business.
“Established place of business” means the place actually occupied either continuously or at regular periods by a dealer or manufacturer where the books and records of that business are kept and where a large share of that business is transacted.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 19; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-20 .
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 19; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-20
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 19; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-20 .
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-1-21. Enforcement officers.
- “Police officer” means every officer authorized to direct or regulate traffic or to make arrests for violations of traffic regulations or the administrator of the division of motor vehicles and up to five (5) subordinates designated by the administrator under the provisions of § 31-2-3 .
- “Proper officer” means for the purposes of chapters 1 — 50 of this title, any member of the state or municipal police, deputy sheriff, city or town sergeant, the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, or any subordinate appointed by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles under the provisions of § 31-2-3 .
History of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 20; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-21 ; P.L. 1975, ch. 121, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 60.
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 20; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-21
; P.L. 1975, ch. 121, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 60.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 20; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-21 ; P.L. 1975, ch. 121, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 60.
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-1-22. Local authorities.
“Local authorities” means every city, town, or other local board or body having authority to enact laws relating to traffic under the constitution and laws of this state.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-22 .
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 21; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-22
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-22 .
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-1-23. Types of roads.
- “Bicycle lane” means a portion of highway right-of-way designated by the state and identified by official traffic control devices (pavement markings) for the exclusive use of bicyclists. The operation and parking of motor vehicles is prohibited within the lane identified for exclusive use by bicyclists, except when making a turn, entering or leaving the roadway or a parking lane, or when required in the course of official duty.
- “Bicycle route” means a shared right-of-way along a highway, designated by the state and identified by official traffic control devices (signs) for use by bicyclists.
- “Bicycle trail or path” means a bikeway physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier and either within the highway right-of-way or within an independent right-of-way. Bicycle trails or paths may also be used by pedestrians, skaters, wheelchair users, joggers and other nonmotorized users.
- “Laned roadway” means a roadway which is divided into two (2) or more clearly marked lanes for vehicular traffic.
- “Limited access highway” means every highway, street, or roadway to or from which owners or occupants of abutting lands and other persons have no legal right of access except at those points and in that manner determined by the public authority having jurisdiction over it.
- “Local highway” means every street or highway other than a state highway, private road, or driveway.
- “Private road or driveway” means every way or place in private ownership that is used for vehicular travel only by the owner and by those others having express or implied permission from the owner.
- “Roadway” means that portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, excluding the sidewalk, berm, or shoulder even when used by persons riding bicycles. In the event a highway includes two (2) or more separate roadways, “roadway” refers to the roadway separately and not the roadways collectively.
- “Sidewalk” means that portion of a street between the curb lines, or the lateral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines intended for the use of pedestrians.
- “State highway” means every street or highway constructed and/or maintained by the director of public works and the division of roads and bridges.
- “Street or highway” means the entire width between boundary lines of every way when any part of it is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular traffic.
- “Through highway” means every highway or portion of a highway having entrances from intersecting highways at which vehicular traffic is required by law to stop before entering or crossing, and where stop signs are erected under the provisions of chapters 1 — 27 of this title.
History of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 22; P.L. 1951, ch. 2826, §§ 5, 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-23 ; P.L. 1976, ch. 58, § 3; P.L. 1982, ch. 302, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 64, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 67, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 640, § 3.
=======History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 22; P.L. 1951, ch. 2826, §§ 5, 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-23 ; P.L. 1976, ch. 58, § 3; P.L. 1982, ch. 302, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 64, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 67, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 640, § 3.
NOTES TO DECISIONS
- <<<<<<< HEAD ======= >>>>>>> origin/main Highway.
- <<<<<<< HEAD ======= >>>>>>> origin/main Sidewalk.
Highway.
From a review of the testimony of the investigating officer from a diagram made by him and from pictures taken of the scene of the alleged offense, the highway in question was in fact open to the public and was within the meaning of the applicable statute. State v. Wheeler, 92 R.I. 389 , 169 A.2d 7, 1961 R.I. LEXIS 43 (1961).
Testimony of defendant that he drove over a street daily, of a police officer that cars passed back and forth on the street, and of another driver that she usually slowed down for a certain intersection when driving on this street was sufficient to establish the street as a “highway” within the definition of subsection (a) (now (i)). State v. Mantia, 101 R.I. 367 , 223 A.2d 843, 1966 R.I. LEXIS 400 (1966).
Testimony of the arresting officer that, while on duty patrolling the street in question, he saw the defendant operating a motor vehicle eastwardly on said street was sufficient to support a finding of the court that such street was a “highway” within the meaning of subsection (a) (now (i)). State v. Jamgochian, 109 R.I. 46 , 280 A.2d 320, 1971 R.I. LEXIS 1022 (1971), overruled in part, State v. Acquisto, 463 A.2d 122, 1983 R.I. LEXIS 1012 (R.I. 1983).
Subsections (a) and (c), in defining highway and roadway, contemplate that a highway is wider than a roadway and includes the “entire width” between the boundary lines of the public way, including the sidewalk, berm, or shoulder. O'Gara v. Ferrante, 690 A.2d 1354, 1997 R.I. LEXIS 80 (R.I. 1997).
Sidewalk.
The term “sidewalk” is given a specific meaning within this section. It is the portion of the highway that is adjacent to the roadway. Together, a sidewalk and a roadway make up a highway or a street. Alfano v. Landers, 585 A.2d 651, 1991 R.I. LEXIS 21 (R.I. 1991).
Elevated divider separating two portions of a parking lot could not be considered a sidewalk, where the parking lot itself could not be considered a roadway used for vehicular traffic. Alfano v. Landers, 585 A.2d 651, 1991 R.I. LEXIS 21 (R.I. 1991).
Collateral References.
Applicability of regulations governing vehicular traffic to driveways or other places not legal highways. 80 A.L.R. 469.
“Highway” in statutory provision relative to vehicle traffic as including street. 54 A.L.R. 1250.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-1-24.
Intersection.
-
“Intersection” means the area embraced within the prelongation or connection of the lateral curb lines, or, if none, then the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two (2) highways which join one another at, or approximately at, right angles, or the area within which vehicles traveling upon different highways joining at any other angle may come in conflict.
-
Where a highway includes two (2) roadways thirty feet (30´) or more apart, then every crossing of each roadway of that divided highway by an intersecting highway is to be regarded as a separate intersection. When the intersecting highway also includes two (2) roadways thirty feet (30´) or more apart, then every crossing of the two (2) roadways of that highway is to be regarded as a separate intersection.
<<<<<<< HEAD
History of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 23; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-24 .
=======History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 23; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-24 .
Collateral References.
Parkway or other neutral strip, statutory definition of “intersection” as applied to streets and highways divided by. 165 A.L.R. 1418.
What is a street or highway intersection within traffic rules. 7 A.L.R.3d 1204.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-1-25.
Crosswalk.
“Crosswalk” means:
- That part of a roadway at an intersection included within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway measured from the curbs, or in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the traversable roadway; or
- Any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.
History of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 24; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-25 .
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 24; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-25
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 24; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-25 .
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-1-26. Safety zone.
“Safety zone” means the area or space officially set apart within a roadway for the exclusive use of pedestrians, and which is protected or is marked or indicated by adequate signs to be plainly visible at all times while set apart as a safety zone.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 25; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-26 .
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 25; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-26
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 25; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-26 .
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-1-27. Business and residence districts.
- “Business district” means the territory contiguous to and including a highway when within any six hundred feet (600´) along that highway there are buildings in use for business or industrial purposes, including but not limited to hotels, banks or office buildings, railroad stations, and public buildings which occupy at least three hundred feet (300´) of frontage on one side or three hundred feet (300´) collectively on both sides of the highway.
- “Residence district” means the territory, contiguous to and including a highway but not comprising a business district, when for a distance of three hundred feet (300´) or more the property is in the main improved with residences or residences and buildings in use for business.
History of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 26; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-27 .
=======History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 26; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-27 .
NOTES TO DECISIONS
<<<<<<< HEADClosely Built Up.
Operator of vehicle had duty to determine for himself whether area was “closely built up” within meaning of former statute. State v. Buchanan, 32 R.I. 490 , 79 A. 1114, 1911 R.I. LEXIS 57 (1911).
=======
Closely Built Up.
Operator of vehicle had duty to determine for himself whether area was “closely built up” within meaning of former statute. State v. Buchanan,
32 R.I. 490
, 79 A. 1114,
1911 R.I. LEXIS 57
(1911).
Closely Built Up.
Operator of vehicle had duty to determine for himself whether area was “closely built up” within meaning of former statute. State v. Buchanan, 32 R.I. 490 , 79 A. 1114, 1911 R.I. LEXIS 57 (1911).
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-1-28. Types of traffic control devices.
- “Official traffic control devices” means all signs, signals, markings, and devices not inconsistent with chapters 1 — 27 of this title placed or erected by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding traffic.
- “Railroad sign or signal” means any sign, signal, or device erected by authority of a public body or official or by a railroad and intended to give notice of the presence of railroad tracks or the approach of a railroad train.
- “Traffic control signs” means any device, whether manually, electrically, or mechanically operated, by which traffic is alternately directed to stop and to proceed.
History of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 27; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-28 .
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 27; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-28
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 27; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-28 .
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-1-29. Traffic.
“Traffic” means pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, and other conveyances either singly or together while using any highway for purposes of travel.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 28; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-29 .
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 28; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-29
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 28; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-29 .
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-1-30. Right-of-way.
“Right-of-way” means the privilege of the immediate use of the highway.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 29; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-30 .
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 29; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-30
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 29; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-30 .
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-1-31. Types of stops.
- “Park” means, when prohibited, the standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading.
- “Stop” means, when required, a complete cessation from movement.
- “Stop, stopping or standing” means, when prohibited, any stopping or standing of a vehicle whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or traffic control sign or signal.
History of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 30; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-31 .
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 30; G.L. 1956, §
31-1-31
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 30; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-31 .
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-1-32. Severability.
If any part or parts of this title are held to be unconstitutional that unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity of the remaining parts of this title.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2295, art. 39, § 2; P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 44; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-32 ; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 3; P.L. 1992, ch. 324, § 9.
=======History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2295, art. 39, § 2; P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 44; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-32 ; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 3; P.L. 1992, ch. 324, § 9.
Chapter 2 Division of Motor Vehicles
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-2-1.
Establishment — Duties — Chief of division.
Within the department of revenue there shall be a division of motor vehicles. The division will be responsible for activities assigned to it by law, including, but not limited to, motor vehicle registration, testing and licensing of motor vehicle operators, inspection of motor vehicles, and enforcement of laws relating to the issuance, suspension and revocation of motor vehicle registrations and drivers’ licenses. The division shall administer the financial responsibility law. The chief of the division shall use the title and designation “registrar” or “administrator” on all licenses, registrations, orders of suspensions, financial responsibility notices or orders, or any other official documents issued or promulgated by the division. He or she shall exercise all powers and duties prescribed by chapters 1 — 27 of this title and shall supervise and direct the promotion of highway traffic safety.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 22; P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-1 ; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 77; P.L. 2006, ch. 246, art. 38, § 4.
=======History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 22; P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-1 ; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 77; P.L. 2006, ch. 246, art. 38, § 4.
Compiler’s Notes.
Section 1 of art. 21 of P.L. 1994, ch. 70, as amended by P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 76, provides that in any general or special law of Rhode Island, and specifically in title 31, reference to the registry of motor vehicles shall be construed to refer to the division of motor vehicles within the department of administration, and any reference to the registrar of motor vehicles or the assistant director of transportation for motor vehicles shall be construed to refer to the administrator of the division of motor vehicles within the department of administration. Any duties conferred upon the department of transportation or the director of transportation by title 31 shall be construed to refer to the department of administration or the director of administration; provided, however, that chapter 13 of title 31 and all other sections of title 31 referring to the state traffic commission remain under the authority of the department of transportation or the director of transportation, and the director of administration may delegate in writing to the director of transportation such duties and responsibilities as he or she may deem appropriate in relation to highway safety. The director of law revision of the joint committee on legislative services is authorized to make changes in title 31 to carry out the intent of this Act.
Cross References.
Jurisdiction over taxicabs and limited public motor vehicles, § 39-14-6 .
Comparative Legislation.
Department or registry of motor vehicles:
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-2 et seq.
Mass. Ann. Laws ch. 16, § 9.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-2-2.
Subordinates and investigators.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall appoint any subordinates that he or she may require for the proper performance of his or her duties. He or she shall appoint investigators who shall be empowered to investigate the application for any motor vehicle license or registration in order to ascertain the truth of the statements made in it, to seize or recover the license or registration certificate and number plates of any person whose license or registration shall have been suspended or revoked, and to perform any other duties not inconsistent with the law as the administrator may direct.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 23; P.L. 1939, ch. 678, § 1; P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-2 .
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 23; P.L. 1939, ch. 678, § 1; P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 2; G.L. 1956, §
31-2-2
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 23; P.L. 1939, ch. 678, § 1; P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-2 .
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-2-3. Enforcement duties of administrator.
- The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is vested with the power and is charged with the duty of observing, administering, and enforcing the provisions of chapters 1 — 50 of this title and of all laws regulating the operation of vehicles, or the use of the highways, the enforcement or administration of which is now or hereafter vested in the division of motor vehicles.
- The administrator shall appoint any subordinates he or she may require for the proper performance of his or her duties. The administrator, and any subordinates designated by the administrator, shall have and exercise throughout this state the same authority to make arrests for violations of statutes relating to motor vehicles and to enforce those statutes as police or town constables have in their respective jurisdictions, including the power of arrest without warrant for any violation of title 31. The administrator, and any subordinates designated by the administrator, may serve all process lawfully issued by the administrator. Whenever a complaint is made of any violation of the provisions of the aforementioned chapters by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, or those subordinates designated by him or her to enforce these provisions, he or she shall not be required to furnish surety for cost or be liable for cost upon any complaint. The administrator, and any subordinates he or she may designate, may bear and use firearms and may be equipped with uniforms as prescribed by the administrator of motor vehicles in accordance with the policing and enforcing provisions as prescribed by this section.
- The administrator may provide for training for those persons designated with authority to make arrests and shall issue to each such person credentials showing his or her identity and these credentials shall be carried upon their person while in the discharge of his or her duties.
- At no time may any subordinate authorized to make arrests stop a motorist for any violation of the motor vehicle law while the motorist is operating a vehicle upon any highway of this state, unless that subordinate is operating or riding in a division of motor vehicles vehicle that is plainly marked “Division of motor vehicles” or unless the motorist is fleeing from pursuit by a division of motor vehicles officer.
- The administrator may adopt any further regulations that he or she may deem necessary to implement this section.
History of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-3 ; P.L. 1975, ch. 121, § 2; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 32; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 32.
=======History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-3 ; P.L. 1975, ch. 121, § 2; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 32; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 32.
Compiler’s Notes.
P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 32, and P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 32 enacted identical amendments to this section.
Effective Dates.
P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 41, provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on September 1, 2015.
P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 41, provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on September 1, 2015.
Cross References.
Taxicabs and limited public motor vehicles, enforcement of regulations, § 39-14-22 .
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-2-4.
Rules and regulations — Exception to authority.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles, department of revenue is authorized to adopt and enforce those rules and regulations that may be necessary to carry out the provisions of chapters 1 — 27 of this title, and any other laws the enforcement and administration of which are vested in the division of motor vehicles, including rules and regulations concerning specialized testing and standards for operators of commercial vehicles; provided, however, that nothing contained in this section shall be construed to authorize the administrator to charge any monetary fee for a license or permit to utilize a flashing light by any volunteer fire department or volunteer ambulance squad.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-4 ; P.L. 1979, ch. 321, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 398, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 3; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 3.
=======History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-4 ; P.L. 1979, ch. 321, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 398, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 3; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 3.
Cross References.
Procedure for adoption of rules, § 42-35-1 et seq.
Collateral References.
Delegation of legislative power to prescribe or vary regulations concerning motor vehicles. 87 A.L.R. 546.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-2-5.
Official seal.
The administrator may adopt an official seal for the use of the division of motor vehicles.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-5 .
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 3; G.L. 1956, §
31-2-5
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-5 .
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-2-6. Offices.
The administrator shall maintain offices in those places in the state that he or she may deem necessary to properly carry out the powers and duties vested in the division of motor vehicles. The administrator shall maintain branch offices in the towns of Warren and Westerly and keep the Warren office open for business at least three (3) days per week and keep the Westerly office open at least one day per week.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-6 ; P.L. 1976, ch. 157, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 181, art. 37, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 322, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 215, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 391, § 1.
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 4; G.L. 1956, §
31-2-6
; P.L. 1976, ch. 157, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 181, art. 37, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 322, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 215, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 391, § 1.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-6 ; P.L. 1976, ch. 157, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 181, art. 37, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 322, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 215, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 391, § 1.
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-2-7. Forms.
The administrator shall prescribe and provide suitable forms of applications, registration cards, operators’ and chauffeurs’ licenses, and all other forms requisite or deemed necessary to carry out the provisions of chapters 1 — 50 of this title and any other laws, the enforcement and administration of which are vested in the division of motor vehicles.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-7 .
=======History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-7 .
Cross References.
Summonses and related forms for motor vehicle violations, § 31-27-12.1 .
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-2-8.
Oaths and acknowledgments.
Officers and employees of the division of motor vehicles designated by the administrator are, for the purpose of administering the motor vehicle laws, authorized to administer oaths and acknowledge signatures, and shall do so without fee.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-8 .
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 6; G.L. 1956, §
31-2-8
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-8 .
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-2-9. Certified copies of licenses, applications and certificates.
The administrator and any officers of the division of motor vehicles that he or she may designate are authorized to prepare under the seal of the division of motor vehicles and deliver upon request a certified copy of the application for operator’s license or registration, or operator’s license or registration, charging a fee of ten dollars ($10.00) for each document so authenticated, and every such certified copy shall be admissible in any proceeding in any court in like manner as the original.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-9 ; P.L. 1960, ch. 75, § 3; P.L. 1980, ch. 114, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 10, art. 4, § 1.
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 6; G.L. 1956, §
31-2-9
; P.L. 1960, ch. 75, § 3; P.L. 1980, ch. 114, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 10, art. 4, § 1.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-9 ; P.L. 1960, ch. 75, § 3; P.L. 1980, ch. 114, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 10, art. 4, § 1.
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-2-10. Abstracts of operator’s records.
The administrator shall upon request furnish a certified abstract of the record of any operator on file fully designating the motor vehicles, if any, registered in the name of the operator, the record of all convictions of the operator of any of the provisions of this title, and the record of all the operator’s involvements in accidents required to be reported under the provisions of § 31-33-1 . If the operator has no such record, the administrator shall so certify. The administrator shall collect for each certificate the sum of sixteen dollars ($16.00); however, if the request for the certificate is made by any governmental agency, bureau, or department for use in its official capacity, the administrator shall collect no fee. The requirement of this section that the certificate shall be furnished shall not make the certificate admissible as evidence in any legal proceeding or in any trial, whether criminal or civil.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-10 ; P.L. 1960, ch. 75, § 3; P.L. 1960, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 15, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 50, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 10, art. 2, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 453, § 8; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 85, § 7; P.L. 1994, ch. 70, art. 35, § 6; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 10, § 1.
=======History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-10 ; P.L. 1960, ch. 75, § 3; P.L. 1960, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 15, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 50, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 10, art. 2, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 453, § 8; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 85, § 7; P.L. 1994, ch. 70, art. 35, § 6; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 10, § 1.
Cross References.
Habitual offender, administrator to certify transcript or abstract to the attorney general, § 31-40-3 .
NOTES TO DECISIONS
<<<<<<< HEADAdmissibility.
In a prosecution for driving with a suspended license, a driver’s abstract from the Registry of Motor Vehicles was clearly admissible under Rules 901(b)(7) and 902(4) of the Rhode Island Rules of Evidence, and was not excluded under Rule 803(8)(B) because it did not contain information observed by police officers or law-enforcement personnel. Also, the admission of this abstract did not violate the defendant’s right to confrontation under the United States and Rhode Island Constitutions by allowing, in effect, New York officials to testify about violations in that state. The report did not contain any statements by New York officials, only a notation of the New York violation. State v. D'Alo, 649 A.2d 498, 1994 R.I. LEXIS 256 (R.I. 1994).
=======
Admissibility.
In a prosecution for driving with a suspended license, a driver’s abstract from the Registry of Motor Vehicles was clearly admissible under Rules 901(b)(7) and 902(4) of the Rhode Island Rules of Evidence, and was not excluded under Rule 803(8)(B) because it did not contain information observed by police officers or law-enforcement personnel. Also, the admission of this abstract did not violate the defendant’s right to confrontation under the United States and Rhode Island Constitutions by allowing, in effect, New York officials to testify about violations in that state. The report did not contain any statements by New York officials, only a notation of the New York violation. State v. D'Alo, 649 A.2d 498,
1994 R.I. LEXIS 256
(R.I. 1994).
Admissibility.
In a prosecution for driving with a suspended license, a driver’s abstract from the Registry of Motor Vehicles was clearly admissible under Rules 901(b)(7) and 902(4) of the Rhode Island Rules of Evidence, and was not excluded under Rule 803(8)(B) because it did not contain information observed by police officers or law-enforcement personnel. Also, the admission of this abstract did not violate the defendant’s right to confrontation under the United States and Rhode Island Constitutions by allowing, in effect, New York officials to testify about violations in that state. The report did not contain any statements by New York officials, only a notation of the New York violation. State v. D'Alo, 649 A.2d 498, 1994 R.I. LEXIS 256 (R.I. 1994).
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-2-11. Records open for inspection — Admissibility of certified copies of records as evidence.
- All records of the division of motor vehicles, other than those declared by law to be confidential for the use of the division of motor vehicles, shall be open to public inspection during office hours. Any copies or photostatic copies of any records, books, papers, documents, and rulings of the division of motor vehicles when certified to be correct by an employee of the division of motor vehicles who is designated for this purpose by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall be acceptable as evidence in the courts of this state with the same force and effect as the originals, in all cases where such original records, books, papers, documents, and rulings would be admitted in evidence.
- Whenever any subpoena duces tecum is issued to the administrator of the division of motor vehicles for the production in court of the records, books, papers, documents, or rulings of the division of motor vehicles it shall not be necessary for the administrator of the division of motor vehicles to whom the subpoena is issued to appear personally, and a copy or photostat duly certified under the seal of the department by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles of the records, books, papers, documents, or rulings of the division of motor vehicles submitted as described in this section shall be full compliance with the subpoena. Under the application to the court and for good cause shown, the court may compel the attendance of the administrator of the division of motor vehicles or the supervisor or an assistant who is charged with the care and custody of the official records or any investigator of the division of motor vehicles to answer the subpoena duces tecum.
- For the purposes outlined in this section, the person designated by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall be the official “keeper of records” for the division.
History of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-11 ; P.L. 1968, ch. 155, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 133, § 1.
=======History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-11 ; P.L. 1968, ch. 155, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 133, § 1.
Cross References.
Furnishing registration and license information to public and government, § 31-2-20 .
Collateral References.
Records, right to examine and copy. 84 A.L.R.2d 1261; 108 A.L.R.2d 1261.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-2-12.
Destruction of obsolete records.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles may destroy any records of the division of motor vehicles that have been maintained on file for three (3) years which are obsolete and of no further service in carrying out the powers and duties of the division of motor vehicles.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-12 .
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 7; G.L. 1956, §
31-2-12
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-12 .
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-2-13. Report to tax assessors of vehicles registered.
- As soon as practical after January 1 in every year, the division of motor vehicles shall furnish, without charge, to the tax assessors of each city or town in this state, a statement of the motor vehicles registered from that city or town on and after January 1 and through the thirty-first day of December of the previous year and the inclusive dates of their registration within this period.
- The provisions of this section shall apply in all respects in the case of taxes assessed upon motor vehicles by any fire district.
History of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 7; P.L. 1950 (s.s.), ch. 2639, § 1; P.L. 1956, ch. 3714, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-13 ; R.P.L. 1957, ch. 142, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 341, § 5.
=======History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 7; P.L. 1950 (s.s.), ch. 2639, § 1; P.L. 1956, ch. 3714, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-13 ; R.P.L. 1957, ch. 142, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 341, § 5.
Cross References.
Listing of motor vehicles on tax roll, § 44-34-3 .
NOTES TO DECISIONS
<<<<<<< HEADForeign Corporation’s Vehicles.
Where a card, from which the registrar determines the number of registered motor vehicles to report to tax assessors in the state, carries an admission that a certain town is to tax its foreign corporation’s vehicles, this does not mean that all the vehicles in the fleet may be taxed, but only the percentage of the fleet that enjoyed the benefits of the town. Hemingway Transp. v. Tax Assessor, 105 R.I. 411 , 252 A.2d 340, 1969 R.I. LEXIS 771 (1969).
=======
Foreign Corporation’s Vehicles.
Where a card, from which the registrar determines the number of registered motor vehicles to report to tax assessors in the state, carries an admission that a certain town is to tax its foreign corporation’s vehicles, this does not mean that all the vehicles in the fleet may be taxed, but only the percentage of the fleet that enjoyed the benefits of the town. Hemingway Transp. v. Tax Assessor,
105 R.I. 411
, 252 A.2d 340,
1969 R.I. LEXIS 771
(1969).
Foreign Corporation’s Vehicles.
Where a card, from which the registrar determines the number of registered motor vehicles to report to tax assessors in the state, carries an admission that a certain town is to tax its foreign corporation’s vehicles, this does not mean that all the vehicles in the fleet may be taxed, but only the percentage of the fleet that enjoyed the benefits of the town. Hemingway Transp. v. Tax Assessor, 105 R.I. 411 , 252 A.2d 340, 1969 R.I. LEXIS 771 (1969).
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-2-14. Investigation of applications — Rejection.
The division of motor vehicles shall examine and determine the genuineness, regularity, and legality of every application for registration of a vehicle, and for an operator’s or chauffeur’s license and of any other application lawfully made to the division of motor vehicles, and may in all cases make investigation as may be deemed necessary or require additional information, and shall reject any application if not satisfied of the genuineness, regularity, or legality of the application or the truth of any statement contained in it, or for any other reason, when authorized by law.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-14 .
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 8; G.L. 1956, §
31-2-14
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-14 .
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-2-15. Seizure of documents and plates.
The division of motor vehicles is authorized to take possession of any registration card, permit, license, or registration plate issued by it upon expiration, revocation, cancellation, or suspension, or which is fictitious, or which has been unlawfully or erroneously issued.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-15 .
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 9; G.L. 1956, §
31-2-15
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-15 .
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-2-16. Publication of laws.
The division of motor vehicles may publish a synopsis or summary of the laws of this state regulating the operation of vehicles and may deliver a copy of the summary without charge with each original vehicle registration and with each original operator’s or chauffeur’s license.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-16 .
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 10; G.L. 1956, §
31-2-16
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-16 .
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-2-17. Summons of witnesses — Taking of testimony.
- In the performance of their duties under this title, the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, or any duly authorized assistant, or hearing officer or officers appointed by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, may summon witnesses in behalf of the state and may administer oaths and take testimony.
- The administrator of the division of motor vehicles, assistant, or hearing officer may also cause depositions to be taken and may order the production of books, papers, agreements, and documents. Failure, without justifiable cause, to appear and testify when summoned in accordance with this section shall be deemed a misdemeanor.
- The fees for the attendance and travel of witnesses shall be the same as for witnesses before the district court. The sixth division of the district court shall have jurisdiction in equity upon application of the division of motor vehicles to enforce all lawful orders of the division of motor vehicles under this section. A party aggrieved by an order of the court may appeal the order to the supreme court in accordance with the procedures contained in the rules of appellate procedure of the supreme court.
History of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-17 ; P.L. 1976, ch. 140, § 12.
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 11; G.L. 1956, §
31-2-17
; P.L. 1976, ch. 140, § 12.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-17 ; P.L. 1976, ch. 140, § 12.
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-2-18. Service of notice.
Whenever, by virtue of § 31-2-17 , notice to any person, firm, or corporation is required, or in any other instance when notice may be required, the notice shall consist of personal delivery to the person, firm, or corporation involved, or by mailing of a registered or certified letter.
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 12; impl. am. P.L. 1956, ch. 3717, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-18 .
=======History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 12; impl. am. P.L. 1956, ch. 3717, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-18 .
NOTES TO DECISIONS
<<<<<<< HEADApplicability.
This section does not apply to the procedural requirements for the admissibility of breathalyzer test results in a criminal prosecution. State v. Couchon, 666 A.2d 418, 1995 R.I. LEXIS 227 (R.I. 1995).
=======
Applicability.
This section does not apply to the procedural requirements for the admissibility of breathalyzer test results in a criminal prosecution. State v. Couchon, 666 A.2d 418,
1995 R.I. LEXIS 227
(R.I. 1995).
Applicability.
This section does not apply to the procedural requirements for the admissibility of breathalyzer test results in a criminal prosecution. State v. Couchon, 666 A.2d 418, 1995 R.I. LEXIS 227 (R.I. 1995).
>>>>>>> origin/main 31-2-19. Appeal from administrator of the division of motor vehicles.
Any person aggrieved by any order of the administrator of the division of motor vehicles may appeal the order to the sixth division district court by filing, within ten (10) days from the date of the notice to such person of the issuance of the order appealed from, a petition in said court stating the grounds upon which the appeal is taken. Upon the filing of such petition and tendering a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) filing fee, the court shall give thirty (30) days’ notice of the pendency of the petition to the administrator of the division of motor vehicles by serving the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, in the manner in which subpoenas in equity are served, with a certified copy of the petition and the petition shall follow the course of equity so far as it is applicable. Upon hearing the petition, the court may review the evidence taken at a hearing or investigator’s reports, or other information upon which the administrator’s action was taken, and may in its discretion, affirm, overrule, or modify the order of the administrator of the division of motor vehicles. The taking of such appeal shall not operate as a stay of the order of the administrator of the division of motor vehicles from which appeal is taken, and such order shall remain in full force and effect during the pendency of the appeal. A party aggrieved by a final order of the court may seek appellate review pursuant to the procedures set forth in § 42-35-15 .
<<<<<<< HEADHistory of Section. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-19 ; P.L. 1976, ch. 140, § 12; P.L. 1992, ch. 453, § 8; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 5, § 10.
=======History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-19 ; P.L. 1976, ch. 140, § 12; P.L. 1992, ch. 453, § 8; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 5, § 10.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-2-20.
Registration and license information — Fee.
The division of motor vehicles, department of revenue shall, upon request, furnish registration and license information to the public. The division shall collect ten dollars ($10.00) for each request. However, if the request is made by any governmental agency, bureau or department, the division shall collect no fee. All nongovernmental inquiries must be accompanied by a written statement of purpose.
<<<<<<< HEAD
=======
P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 3, and P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 3, enacted identical amendments to this section.
Records open for inspection, admissibility as evidence, §
31-2-11
.
In all administrative hearings conducted by personnel of the division of motor vehicles involving the issuance, revocation, or suspension of licenses to operate vehicles or the registration of vehicles, a taped recording of that hearing may be made part of the record. In case of appeal to a court, copies of those tapes in lieu of a transcript shall be made available without charge to the operator, owner, or his or her representative.
=======
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
[See §
12-1-15
of the General Laws.]
=======
Section 2 of P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 12 provides that any reference in any general or special law to child support enforcement, collections and establishment duties of the department of human services, Rhode Island child support services and bureau of family support shall be construed to refer to the division of taxation within the department of administration, any reference to the director of the department of human services, with reference to the child support enforcement and collection of revenues, shall be construed to refer to the tax administrator within the department of administration, and any revenue collection duties conferred upon the department of human services or the director of the department of human services shall be construed to refer to the department of administration division of taxation or the tax administrator; provided, however, that the tax administrator may delegate in writing to the director of the department of human services such duties and responsibilities as he or she may deem appropriate.
The division of motor vehicles is authorized to impose a fee on returned checks, which shall not exceed fifty dollars ($50.00) per returned check.
=======
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a licensee whose license has been suspended shall not be required to surrender the license to the division of motor vehicles for the period of suspension. In the event a licensee is found to be operating a motor vehicle while under suspension, the license shall be seized by the proper officer and returned to the division of motor vehicles for the remainder of the suspension period.
=======
P.L. 2013, ch. 282, § 1, and P.L. 2013, ch. 375, § 1 enacted identical versions of this section.
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a motorist whose registration has been suspended shall not be required to surrender the registration plates to the division of motor vehicles for the period of suspension. In the event a motorist is found to be operating a motor vehicle while the registration is suspended, the registration plates shall be seized by the proper officer and returned to the division of motor vehicles for the remainder of the suspension period.
=======
P.L. 2013, ch. 282, § 1, and P.L. 2013, ch. 375, § 1 enacted identical versions of this section.
=======
Notwithstanding any provisions of the general or public laws to the contrary, the administrator of the division of motor vehicles may extend the expiration date of any permit, license, registration, certificate, placard, or other privilege issued by the division of motor vehicles for a period of up to ninety (90) days when the administrator’s ability to properly perform their duties is prevented, hindered, impaired, or otherwise delayed by:
=======
P.L. 2017, ch. 97, § 1, and P.L. 2017, ch. 98, § 1 enacted identical versions of this section.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles, department of administration, in consultation with the superintendent of state police, shall establish a motor vehicle theft prevention program which shall include the issuance of official decals to identify motor vehicles that are not normally operated between the hours of 1:00 A.M. and 5:00 A.M. Participation in the program shall be voluntary in nature and shall involve the following:
=======
It is a civil violation for any person to operate, or for an owner knowingly to permit to be operated, upon any highway any vehicle of a type required to be registered under this chapter which is not registered and for which the appropriate fee has not been paid or not registered as required in any other state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 1; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-1
; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 6, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 201, § 1.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 1; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-1
; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 6, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 201, § 1.
Misdemeanors, penalty, §
31-27-13
.
Registration of motor vehicles:
Conn.
Gen. Stat. § 14-12 et seq.
Mass.
Ann. Laws ch. 90, § 1 et seq.
Recovery of Damages.
Owner and operator of unregistered vehicle was not barred from recovery for injuries sustained while operating on highway. Marquis v. Messier,
39 R.I. 563
, 99 A. 527,
1917 R.I. LEXIS 3
(1917).
Owner and operator of unregistered vehicle was not barred from recovery for injuries sustained while operating on highway. Marquis v. Messier,
39 R.I. 563
, 99 A. 527,
1917 R.I. LEXIS 3
(1917).
Civil rights and liabilities as affected by failure to comply with regulations as to registration or license. 16 A.L.R. 1108; 35 A.L.R. 62; 38 A.L.R. 1038; 43 A.L.R. 1153; 54 A.L.R. 374; 58 A.L.R. 532; 61 A.L.R. 1190; 78 A.L.R. 1028; 87 A.L.R. 1469; 111 A.L.R. 1258; 163 A.L.R. 1375.
Lack of automobile registration as evidence of negligence. 29 A.L.R.2d 963.
Every motor vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer, pole trailer, motorized camper, tent trailer, travel trailer, pick-up coach, and pick-up camper, owned by a resident of this state when operated or drawn upon a highway within this state for a period of thirty (30) days, shall be subject to the registration provisions of chapters 3 — 9 of this title except:
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 2; P.L. 1952, ch. 2937, § 2; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-2
; P.L. 1959, ch. 123, § 2; P.L. 1966, ch. 105, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 217, § 2; P.L. 1976, ch. 64, § 3; P.L. 1978, ch. 377, § 2; P.L. 1988, ch. 589, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 389, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 401, § 1.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 2; P.L. 1952, ch. 2937, § 2; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-2
; P.L. 1959, ch. 123, § 2; P.L. 1966, ch. 105, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 217, § 2; P.L. 1976, ch. 64, § 3; P.L. 1978, ch. 377, § 2; P.L. 1988, ch. 589, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 389, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 401, § 1.
P.L. 2016, ch. 389, § 1, and P.L. 2016, ch. 401, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
Out-of-state residents owning motorized bicycles, whose state of residence does not require the registration of those vehicles, shall register the vehicles in the state of Rhode Island and upon payment of the registration fee shall be issued stickers to be placed on the vehicle evidencing registration.
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 589, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 56, § 3; P.L. 2002, ch. 136, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 397, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 252, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 304, § 1.
Applicability.
P.L. 2002, ch. 136, § 4 provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect upon passage [June 15, 2002] but until further action by the general assembly the operation of an EPAMD on sidewalks, bicycle paths and trails is limited to government agencies, including law enforcement personnel in the performance of their duties.
P.L. 2002, ch. 397, § 4 provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect upon passage [June 28, 2002] but until further action by the general assembly the operation of an EPAMD on sidewalks, bicycle paths and trails is limited to government agencies, including law enforcement personnel in the performance of their duties.
P.L. 1988, ch. 589, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 56, § 3; P.L. 2002, ch. 136, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 397, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 252, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 304, § 1.
P.L. 2002, ch. 136, § 4 provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect upon passage [June 15, 2002] but until further action by the general assembly the operation of an EPAMD on sidewalks, bicycle paths and trails is limited to government agencies, including law enforcement personnel in the performance of their duties.
P.L. 2002, ch. 397, § 4 provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect upon passage [June 28, 2002] but until further action by the general assembly the operation of an EPAMD on sidewalks, bicycle paths and trails is limited to government agencies, including law enforcement personnel in the performance of their duties.
Public officials or employees, applicability to, of regulations as to registration and licensing of motor vehicles. 19 A.L.R. 463; 23 A.L.R. 418.
Validity of motor vehicle registration laws applied to corporation domiciled in state but having branch trucking bases in other states. 16 A.L.R.2d 1414.
Every owner of a vehicle subject to registration under this chapter shall apply to the division of motor vehicles for the registration of it using the appropriate form or forms furnished by the division of motor vehicles. Every application shall bear the signature of the owner written with pen and ink and the signature shall be acknowledged by the owner before a person authorized to administer oaths and the application shall contain:
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 3; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-3
; P.L. 1961, ch. 187, § 1; P.L. 1965, ch. 207, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 74, § 1; P.L. 1970, ch. 16, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 392, § 4; P.L. 1991, ch. 251, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 392, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 28, § 1.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 3; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-3
; P.L. 1961, ch. 187, § 1; P.L. 1965, ch. 207, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 74, § 1; P.L. 1970, ch. 16, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 392, § 4; P.L. 1991, ch. 251, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 392, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 28, § 1.
Certified copy of application, §
31-2-9
.
Investigation of applications, §
31-2-14
.
Name used to identify owner, registration of automobile as affected by. 47 A.L.R. 1103.
Prima facie case or presumption from registration of automobile in name of, or from proof of ownership by, defendant, as applicable to question other than the master-servant relationship at time of accident. 122 A.L.R. 228.
=======
Each person, before obtaining an original or transferral registration for a motor vehicle in this state, shall furnish evidence that any tax due with reference to the motor vehicle pursuant to the provisions of chapters 18 and 19 of title 44 has been paid in accordance with regulations prescribed by the tax administrator, and on any forms that are approved by the tax administrator and the state administrator of the division of motor vehicles. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall, upon the request of the tax administrator, and after due hearing by the tax administrator, suspend or revoke a motor vehicle registration of any person who fails to pay any tax due in connection with the sale, storage, use, or other consumption of the motor vehicle pursuant to the provisions of chapters 18 and 19.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1887, art. 2, § 57; P.L. 1956, ch. 3740, § 1; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-4
.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1887, art. 2, § 57; P.L. 1956, ch. 3740, § 1; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-4
.
Construction With Other Statutes.
Notwithstanding that the motor vehicle and trailer excise tax does impinge upon the privilege of vehicle registration, based upon its method of application it is not an excise tax, but a property tax. Cohen v. Harrington, 722 A.2d 1191,
1999 R.I. LEXIS 4
(R.I. 1999).
The motor vehicle and trailer excise tax is incidental to the ownership of the motor vehicle, as demonstrated by the fact that it is based on the value of the vehicle, and not on the extent or manner in which the vehicle is used, and registration is not revoked immediately upon nonpayment of the tax, since the tax is not specifically for the privilege of registering the vehicle. Cohen v. Harrington, 722 A.2d 1191,
1999 R.I. LEXIS 4
(R.I. 1999).
Notwithstanding that the motor vehicle and trailer excise tax does impinge upon the privilege of vehicle registration, based upon its method of application it is not an excise tax, but a property tax. Cohen v. Harrington, 722 A.2d 1191,
1999 R.I. LEXIS 4
(R.I. 1999).
The motor vehicle and trailer excise tax is incidental to the ownership of the motor vehicle, as demonstrated by the fact that it is based on the value of the vehicle, and not on the extent or manner in which the vehicle is used, and registration is not revoked immediately upon nonpayment of the tax, since the tax is not specifically for the privilege of registering the vehicle. Cohen v. Harrington, 722 A.2d 1191,
1999 R.I. LEXIS 4
(R.I. 1999).
The division of motor vehicles shall refuse registration or any transfer of registration upon any of the following grounds:
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 4; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-5
; P.L. 1980, ch. 312, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 250, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 221, § 8; P.L. 1987, ch. 448, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 361, § 2; P.L. 1993, ch. 254, § 3; P.L. 2000, ch. 276, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 193, § 2; P.L. 2016, ch. 383, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 397, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 349, § 1.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 4; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-5
; P.L. 1980, ch. 312, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 250, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 221, § 8; P.L. 1987, ch. 448, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 361, § 2; P.L. 1993, ch. 254, § 3; P.L. 2000, ch. 276, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 193, § 2; P.L. 2016, ch. 383, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 397, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 349, § 1.
P.L. 2016, ch. 383, § 1, and
P.L. 2016, ch. 397, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 217, § 2, provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on July 1, 2018.
P.L. 2018, ch. 349, § 2 provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on April 1, 2019.
Cancelation of registration of rental vehicle for failure to prove financial responsibility, §
31-34-5
.
Failure to return registration after suspension under safety responsibility law, §
31-33-2
.
Proof of financial responsibility required prior to renewal of registration after suspension, §
31-32-5
.
Suspension of license and privileges for failure to post security after accident,
31-31-15
.
=======
Former §
31-3-5.1
concerned grounds for refusal of license.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 7; P.L. 1956, ch. 3714, § 1; P.L. 1956, ch. 3714, § 3; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-6
; R.P.L. 1957, ch. 142, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 341, § 6; P.L. 1979, ch. 379, § 2; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 61; P.L. 2018, ch. 175, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 293, § 1.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 7; P.L. 1956, ch. 3714, § 1; P.L. 1956, ch. 3714, § 3; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-6
; R.P.L. 1957, ch. 142, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 341, § 6; P.L. 1979, ch. 379, § 2; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 61; P.L. 2018, ch. 175, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 293, § 1.
P.L. 2018, ch. 175, § 1, and P.L. 2018, ch. 293, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 175, § 2, provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on January 1, 2019.
P.L. 2018, ch. 293, § 2, provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on January 1, 2019.
=======
=======
=======
=======
P.L. 2017, ch. 336, § 1, and P.L. 2017, ch. 340, § 1 enacted identical versions of this section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 336, § 2, provides that this section takes effect on April 1, 2018.
P.L. 2017, ch. 340, § 2, provides that this section takes effect on April 1, 2018.
The division of motor vehicles shall file each application received and when satisfied as to its genuineness and regularity, and that the applicant is entitled to register the vehicle, shall register the vehicle and keep a record of it in suitable books or on index cards as follows:
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 5; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-7
; P.L. 2010, ch. 239, § 26.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 5; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-7
; P.L. 2010, ch. 239, § 26.
Certified copy of registration, §
31-2-9
.
The division of motor vehicles, upon registering a vehicle, shall issue a registration card. The registration card shall be delivered to the owner and shall contain upon the its face, the date issued, the name and address of the owner, the registration number assigned to the vehicle, and such description of the vehicle as determined by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, and, upon its reverse side, a form for endorsement of notice to the division of motor vehicles upon transfer of the vehicle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 6; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-8
.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 6; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-8
.
Authorized weight shown in registration card, §
31-25-16
.
Certificates of title as prerequisite of recovery for injury of motor vehicle. 7 A.L.R.2d 1349.
Motor vehicle certificate of title or similar document as, in hands of one other than legal owner, indicia of ownership justifying reliance by subsequent purchaser or mortgagee without actual notice of other interests. 18 A.L.R.2d 813.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 7; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-9
.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 7; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-9
.
Contention of defendant that the complaint was defective in that it did not directly charge whether the vehicle was registered but leaves that to be implied, was not sustained in that, since only a misdemeanor not a felony was charged, it was unnecessary to expressly allege actual registration of the car in order to apprise defendant fairly and fully of the offense with which he is charged. State v. Campbell,
96 R.I. 72
, 189 A.2d 342,
1963 R.I. LEXIS 49
(1963).
Defendant contended that the complaint is duplicitous because the statute being in the disjunctive, a violation thereof must be charged in the conjunctive, but the defendant’s contention was rejected as the averments of the complaint were properly couched in the disjunctive since the statute in question created but one offense and not several distinct offenses. State v. Campbell,
96 R.I. 72
, 189 A.2d 342,
1963 R.I. LEXIS 49
(1963).
Where defendant, who was charged with violation of this section in that in response to demand for his registration card looked in billfold and in car glove compartment but did not produce it and said he did not have either his registration card or his operator’s license and that both were at home, on appeal of conviction of violation of §
31-10-25
had such conviction upheld, the court finding the evidence properly admitted and sufficient to support decision of lower court; since defendant was tried on both complaints together the supreme court cannot say that the evidence supporting his conviction was clearly wrong. State v. Campbell,
96 R.I. 72
, 189 A.2d 342,
1963 R.I. LEXIS 49
(1963).
It is completely within an officer’s power to stop a car for a registration check. State v. Rattenni,
117 R.I. 221
, 366 A.2d 539,
1976 R.I. LEXIS 1615
(1976).
Validity and construction of statute making it a criminal offense for the operator of a motor vehicle not to carry or display his operator’s license or the vehicle registration certificate. 6 A.L.R.3d 506.
The division of motor vehicles, upon registering a vehicle, shall issue to the owner one fully reflective registration plate for each motorcycle, trailer, semi-trailer, in-transit vehicle, transporter, bailee vehicle, or a dealer vehicle and two (2) fully reflective registration plates for every other motor vehicle. Application for and issuance of so-called commercial registration plates shall be provided at all offices maintained by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles under §
31-2-6
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-10
; P.L. 1970, ch. 108, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 179, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 135, § 1.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-10
; P.L. 1970, ch. 108, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 179, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 135, § 1.
Certificates and tags issued to persons immune from parking meter fees, §
31-28-7
.
Interstate freight carriers, distinguishing plates, §
39-12-22
.
Jitney markers, §
39-13-12
.
Live poultry vehicles, §
4-10-10
et seq.
Motor freight carriers, distinguishing plates, §
39-12-26
.
Motor vehicle plates for people who are disabled, §
31-28-7.1
.
Criterion of value of license plates for purpose of fixing degree of larceny of. 48 A.L.R. 1167.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-11
; P.L. 1971, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 345, § 1.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-11
; P.L. 1971, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 345, § 1.
=======
Each registration plate and the required letters and numerals on it, except the year number for which issued, shall be of sufficient size to be plainly readable from a distance of one hundred feet (100´) during daylight. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in §
31-41.1-4
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-12
; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 103.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-12
; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 103.
Illumination of rear registration plate, §
31-24-9
.
The division of motor vehicles shall issue for every passenger motor vehicle rented or leased without a driver, the same type of registration plates as the type of plates issued for private passenger vehicles. However, if the renter or lessee uses his or her own registration plate on the rented or leased vehicle, that registration plate shall be promptly returned to him or her upon termination of the rental or lease agreement. Should the registration plate not be returned, the division of motor vehicles may be notified by the renter or lessor and the registration shall be cancelled by the division of motor vehicles and the registration plate shall be reissued to the person who rented or leased the motor vehicle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-13
; P.L. 1986, ch. 223, § 1.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-13
; P.L. 1986, ch. 223, § 1.
“Drive it yourself” cars, statutes or ordinances as to licensing of. 7 A.L.R.2d 456; 60 A.L.R.4th 784.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-14
; P.L. 1959, ch. 123, § 2.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-14
; P.L. 1959, ch. 123, § 2.
Use Restricted.
The issuance of in-transit plates by the registry creates no authority to use them for any purpose or on any vehicle other than that specifically provided by statute. Pray v. Narragansett Improvement Co., 434 A.2d 923,
1981 R.I. LEXIS 1262
(R.I. 1981).
The issuance of in-transit plates by the registry creates no authority to use them for any purpose or on any vehicle other than that specifically provided by statute. Pray v. Narragansett Improvement Co., 434 A.2d 923,
1981 R.I. LEXIS 1262
(R.I. 1981).
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-15
; P.L. 1974, ch. 208, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 430, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 350, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 65; P.L. 2006, ch. 310, § 1.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-15
; P.L. 1974, ch. 208, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 430, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 350, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 65; P.L. 2006, ch. 310, § 1.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; P.L. 1951, ch. 2826, § 7; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-16
; P.L. 1967, ch. 6, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 13, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 381, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 310, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 6, § 1.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; P.L. 1951, ch. 2826, § 7; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-16
; P.L. 1967, ch. 6, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 13, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 381, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 310, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 6, § 1.
In 2021, “state of Rhode Island” was substituted for “state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations” twice in this section at the direction of the Law Revision Director to reflect the 2020 amendments to the state constitution that changed the state’s name.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-17
; P.L. 1992, ch. 38, § 1.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-17
; P.L. 1992, ch. 38, § 1.
=======
P.L. 2012, ch. 47, § 1, and P.L. 2012, ch. 53, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
This section was amended by two acts (P.L. 2018, ch. 134, § 1, and P.L. 2018, ch. 249, § 1) passed by the General Assembly on June 23, 2018. The amendments are the same except that P.L. 2018, ch. 134 is effective January 1, 2019, while P.L. 2018, ch. 249 is effective April 1, 2019.
P.L. 2018, ch. 134, § 2 provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on January 1, 2019.
P.L. 2018, ch. 249, § 2 provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on April 1, 2019.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles may issue to the civil defense preparedness director of each city and town, for as long as such person remains a civil defense preparedness director, a special identifying number plate in place of any regular number plate assigned to each director at the time of the registration of a motor vehicle. The number shall be in numerical sequence preceded by the words “civil defense” or some similar appropriate designation, and the numbers shall be issued to the directors in alphabetical order according to the names of their respective city or town.
=======
=======
=======
P.L. 2016, ch. 378, § 1, and P.L. 2016, ch. 394, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 9, G.L. 1956, §
31-3-18
; P.L. 1968, ch. 103, § 1; P.L. 1970, ch. 108, § 2; P.L. 1978, ch. 386, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 165, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 45, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 56; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 7; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 12, § 5; P.L. 2009, ch. 245, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 261, § 1.
Applicability.
P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 12, § 19 provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect July 1, 2008, and shall apply to all offenses committed on July 1, 2008 and thereafter.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 9, G.L. 1956, §
31-3-18
; P.L. 1968, ch. 103, § 1; P.L. 1970, ch. 108, § 2; P.L. 1978, ch. 386, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 165, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 45, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 56; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 7; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 12, § 5; P.L. 2009, ch. 245, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 261, § 1.
P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 12, § 19 provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect July 1, 2008, and shall apply to all offenses committed on July 1, 2008 and thereafter.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized to issue a special registration certificate and marker for any motor vehicle constructed to be used for racing, and that must be towed over the public highways to and from such places where those vehicles are to be raced; however, these motor vehicles shall be equipped with adequate brakes and a rear light that shows a red light to the rear and also provides a source of white light to illuminate the rear number plate or marker. The fee for this registration shall be fifteen dollars ($15.00), and the registration shall expire March 31st following the date of issue. The registration plate or marker issued for this motor vehicle shall, in addition to the number assigned, bear a symbol to indicate that the vehicle is to be towed while on the public highways.
History of Section.
P.L. 1949, ch. 2299, § 1; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-19
; P.L. 1960, ch. 75, § 4.
P.L. 1949, ch. 2299, § 1; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-19
; P.L. 1960, ch. 75, § 4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1951, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 1; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-20
; P.L. 1964, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 1968, ch. 103, § 2; P.L. 1984, ch. 437, § 2.
P.L. 1951, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 1; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-20
; P.L. 1964, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 1968, ch. 103, § 2; P.L. 1984, ch. 437, § 2.
This section does not exempt dealers from registration but rather was intended by the legislature to provide for comprehensive registration under which dealers may lawfully register vehicles owned by them for operation on highway by simply attaching the special plates bearing their distinguishing number for the purpose of avoiding the burden of individual registration. Avedesian v. Butler Auto Sales,
93 R.I. 4
, 170 A.2d 604,
1961 R.I. LEXIS 71
(1961).
When the dealer has satisfied the requirements set forth in subsection (c) he is entitled to full exemption from liability under this section. Finck v. Aetna Casualty & Sur. Co., 432 A.2d 680,
1981 R.I. LEXIS 1228
(R.I. 1981).
Where its insured, a dealer, was totally exempt from liability through compliance with subsection (c), the insurer was exempt from liability as well. Finck v. Aetna Casualty & Sur. Co., 432 A.2d 680,
1981 R.I. LEXIS 1228
(R.I. 1981).
Under the provisions of this section, the burden is upon the an automobile-dealer defendant to show by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she has complied with the conditions set out in the first clause of subsection (b) and referenced in subsection (c) in order to be entitled to the immunity conferred by subsection (c). Giuliano v. Diaz, 713 A.2d 202,
1998 R.I. LEXIS 178
(R.I. 1998).
The phrase “aforesaid circumstances” in subsection (c) refers only to the circumstances enumerated in the first sentence. Flanagan v. Pierce Chevrolet, Inc.,
122 R.I. 576
, 410 A.2d 428 (1980).
Where, although a driver had neglected to remove the dealer plates, it was undisputed that at the time of the accident both the ownership and the registration of the vehicle was in the name of the driver and not the dealer, the automobile’s registration was not “pending” within the meaning of subsection (b). Berube v. Matoian, 463 A.2d 183,
1983 R.I. LEXIS 1029
(R.I. 1983).
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 1; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-21
; P.L. 1959, ch. 123, § 2; P.L. 1966, ch. 189, § 2.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 1; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-21
; P.L. 1959, ch. 123, § 2; P.L. 1966, ch. 189, § 2.
Use Restricted.
The issuance of in transit plates by the registry creates no authority to use them for any purpose or on any vehicle other than that specifically provided by statute. Pray v. Narragansett Improvement Co., 434 A.2d 923,
1981 R.I. LEXIS 1262
(R.I. 1981).
The issuance of in transit plates by the registry creates no authority to use them for any purpose or on any vehicle other than that specifically provided by statute. Pray v. Narragansett Improvement Co., 434 A.2d 923,
1981 R.I. LEXIS 1262
(R.I. 1981).
The provisions of §§
31-3-20
—
31-3-27
shall not apply to work or service vehicles owned by a manufacturer, bailee, transporter, or dealer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 1; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-22
; P.L. 1966, ch. 189, § 3.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 1; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-22
; P.L. 1966, ch. 189, § 3.
Any manufacturer, bailee, transporter, or dealer may apply to the division of motor vehicles on the appropriate form to obtain a certificate containing a general distinguishing number and for one or more special plates as appropriate to various types of vehicles subject to registration pursuant to this chapter. The applicant shall also submit proof of his or her status as a bona fide manufacturer, bailee, transporter, or dealer as may reasonably be required by the division of motor vehicles.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 2; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-23
; P.L. 1966, ch. 189, § 4; P.L. 1968, ch. 103, § 2.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 2; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-23
; P.L. 1966, ch. 189, § 4; P.L. 1968, ch. 103, § 2.
License required for dealer’s plates, §
31-5-10
.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the motor vehicle dealers’ license commission shall limit the number of plates allowable to any dealer in accordance with the provisions of §§
31-5-1
—
31-5-20
, and the plates shall be issued by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles up to such limit upon application by the dealer.
=======
The division of motor vehicles, upon granting any application shall issue to the applicant a certificate containing the applicant’s name and address and the general distinguishing number assigned to the applicant.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 2; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-24
.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 2; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-24
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 2; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-25
; P.L. 1968, ch. 103, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 122, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 150, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 356, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 409, § 2.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 2; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-25
; P.L. 1968, ch. 103, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 122, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 150, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 356, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 409, § 2.
P.L. 2014, ch. 356, § 2, and P.L. 2014, ch. 409, § 2 enacted identical amendments to this section.
The cost for the annual issuance of the new plates shall be an additional one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per set per year.
=======
The division of motor vehicles shall issue special motorcycle dealer’s plates as applied for, which shall bear the following: “motorcycle dealer”. The provisions of this chapter regarding application for, and display of “dealer’s plates” shall apply to motorcycle dealer’s plates. The plates shall be issued annually at a charge of twelve dollars and fifty cents ($12.50) per plate.
=======
The division of motor vehicles shall issue special boat dealer’s plates as applied for, which shall bear the following: “boat dealer”. The “boat dealer” plates shall be used only on boat trailers used by the boat dealer in the course of his or her business. With respect to trailers, the provisions of this chapter regarding application for, operation with, and display of “dealer’s plates” shall apply to boat dealer’s plates. Without limiting the general applicability of the preceding provisions, §§
31-3-40
and
31-4-3
shall apply to boat dealers with respect to trailers. The plates shall be issued annually at a charge of twelve dollars and fifty cents ($12.50) per plate.
=======
Every special plate issued pursuant to this chapter shall expire at midnight on the thirty-first (31st) day of December of each year. A new plate or plates for the ensuing year may be obtained by the person to whom any expired plate or plates was issued by applying to the division of motor vehicles and paying the fee provided by law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 3; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-26
; P.L. 1984, ch. 296, § 1.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 3; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-26
; P.L. 1984, ch. 296, § 1.
Every manufacturer, bailee, transporter, or dealer shall be at all times fully responsible and aware as to the use of special plates and the identity of the vehicles to which they are attached, and shall make this information immediately available to any proper officer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 4; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-27
; P.L. 1966, ch. 189, § 5.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 4; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-27
; P.L. 1966, ch. 189, § 5.
Suspension or revocation of dealer’s certificate or plates, §
31-8-5
.
License plates, dealers’ liability predicated on loan of. 99 A.L.R.2d 904.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1302, §§ 1-3; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-28
; P.L. 1971, ch. 120, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 4; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 4.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1302, §§ 1-3; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-28
; P.L. 1971, ch. 120, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 4; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 4.
Procedure for adoption of rules, §
42-35-1
et seq.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall require that every tow car or tow truck shall be licensed with a special registration certificate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 10, § 1; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-29
.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 10, § 1; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-29
.
Validity and construction of statute or ordinance regulating vehicle towing business. 97 A.L.R.3d 495.
It shall be unlawful for any tow car or tow truck to be at the scene of a motor vehicle accident unless summoned by the participants in that accident or by the owners of the respective vehicles involved in that accident. Any owner of any tow car or tow truck or his or her duly authorized agent, if found guilty of violating the provisions of this section, shall be fined not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00) for the first offense and for any subsequent offense shall be fined not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00) and have his or her special registration certificate suspended by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles for such period as the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall determine.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 10, § 1; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-30
.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 10, § 1; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-30
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 11, § 1; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-31
; P.L. 1984, ch. 287, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 404, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 4; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 4; P.L. 2014, ch. 66, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 72, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 387, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 399, § 1.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 11, § 1; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-31
; P.L. 1984, ch. 287, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 404, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 4; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 4; P.L. 2014, ch. 66, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 72, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 387, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 399, § 1.
P.L. 2014, ch. 66, § 1, and P.L. 2014, ch. 72, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 387, § 1, and P.L. 2016, ch. 399, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
=======
=======
=======
P.L. 2013, ch. 188, § 2, and
P.L. 2013, ch. 203, § 2 enacted identical versions of this section.
Every vehicle registration under chapters 3 — 9 of this title and every registration card and registration plate issued under this chapter shall expire at midnight on the thirty-first (31st) day of March of each year, except that the director of the department of revenue, division of motor vehicles shall implement a staggered registration system and a staggered distribution system for fully reflective plates required to be on all vehicles pursuant to §
31-3-10
. Implementation of the staggered registration system and distribution system shall be by rules and regulations promulgated by the director of revenue, division of motor vehicles. Every registration card and registration plate issued to apportioned vehicles shall expire on the thirty-first (31st) day of May of each year. A fee for the initial issuance of fully reflective plates and each reissuance thereafter shall be charged in accordance with § 31-6-1(a). However, the requirements for the reissue of fully reflective plates shall apply only to those standard plates described in §
31-3-11
and not to plates authorized by any other section of the general or public laws. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in §
31-41.1-4
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 10; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-32
; P.L. 1979, ch. 195, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 10, art. 5, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 135, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 30, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 56; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 103; P.L. 2002, ch. 321, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 4; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 4.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 10; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-32
; P.L. 1979, ch. 195, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 10, art. 5, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 135, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 30, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 56; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 103; P.L. 2002, ch. 321, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 4; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 11; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-33
; P.L. 1979, ch. 195, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 13, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 135, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 245, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 261, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 13, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 144, art. 6, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 4, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 142, art. 9, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 302, art. 4, § 2; P.L. 2018, ch. 47, art. 8, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 7, § 2; P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 3, § 4, effective July 6, 2021.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 11; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-33
; P.L. 1979, ch. 195, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 13, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 135, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 245, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 261, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 13, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 144, art. 6, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 4, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 142, art. 9, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 302, art. 4, § 2; P.L. 2018, ch. 47, art. 8, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 7, § 2; P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 3, § 4, effective July 6, 2021.
Whenever any person after applying for or obtaining the registration of a vehicle shall move from the address named in the application or shown upon a registration card, that person shall within ten (10) days subsequent to moving notify the division of motor vehicles in writing of his or her former and current addresses. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in §
31-41.1-4
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 12; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-34
; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 103.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 12; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-34
; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 103.
Whenever the name of any person who has applied for or obtained the registration of a vehicle is subsequently changed by marriage or otherwise, that person shall within ten (10) days notify the division of motor vehicles of the former and current names. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in §
31-41.1-4
.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 12; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-35
; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 103.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 12; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-35
; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 103.
This section does not require a divorced licensee to produce a divorce or probate court decree as proof of a name change. Traugott v. Petit,
122 R.I. 60
, 404 A.2d 77,
1979 R.I. LEXIS 2064
(1979).
This section does not abrogate the common-law right of qualified applicants to use, assume, or adopt any name as long as the purpose of its assumption or adoption is not fraudulent. Traugott v. Petit,
122 R.I. 60
, 404 A.2d 77,
1979 R.I. LEXIS 2064
(1979).
In the event any registration card or plate is lost, mutilated, or becomes illegible, the owner, legal representative, or successor in interest of the owner of the vehicle for which the registration card or plate was issued as shown by the records of the division of motor vehicles shall immediately apply for and may obtain a duplicate, substitute, or a new registration under a new registration number, as determined to be most advisable by the division of motor vehicles, upon the applicant furnishing information satisfactory to the division of motor vehicles.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 13; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-36
.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 13; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-36
.
The division of motor vehicles is authorized to assign a distinguishing number to a motor vehicle whenever the motor or serial number thereon is destroyed or obliterated and to issue to the owner a special plate bearing such distinguishing number which shall be affixed to the vehicle in a position to be determined by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles. The motor vehicle shall be registered under this distinguishing number in lieu of the former serial number.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 14; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-37
.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 14; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-37
.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized to adopt and enforce such registration rules and regulations that are deemed necessary and compatible with the public interest with respect to the change or substitution of one engine in place of another in any motor vehicle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 15; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-38
.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 15; G.L. 1956, §
31-3-38
.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall issue for any motor vehicle eligible for registration as an automobile or eligible for registration as a commercial vehicle and having a gross weight of nine thousand (9,000) pounds or less for the motor vehicle of a radio amateur, other than a novice, licensed by the federal communications commission, as long as he or she shall remain so licensed, and such registration plates as issued shall identify the registrant by the station and operator “call sign” assigned to him or her by the federal communications commission. This issuance of special plates shall be in accordance with the statutory requirements relating to the registration of motor vehicles and upon the payment of the regular registration fee. Application for the special plates shall be made in advance and upon the special form or forms as the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall designate.
=======
=======
Whenever, under any of the provisions of title 31, entitled “motor and other vehicles,” a person surrenders, returns, or delivers to any person in the division of motor vehicles, any registration card or plate, a receipt shall be given, sufficiently identifying the registration card or plate and showing the date it was received. As soon as practical after January 1st, in every year, the division of motor vehicles shall furnish, without charge, to the tax assessors of each city or town in this state a statement of cancellation, surrendering or returns of registration plates of motor vehicles whose owners have addresses in the respective cities or towns on or after January 1st and through the thirty-first (31st) day of December of the previous year and the inclusive dates of their registration with this period.
=======
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall issue plates designated as “camper plates” to any person who shall register a travel trailer, pick-up coach, pick-up camper, motorized camper, or tent trailer. In addition, the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall issue a registration certificate to any person registering a pick-up coach or pick-up camper, which shall be affixed to the coach or camper portion of the vehicle and for which there shall be an additional registration fee of three dollars ($3.00). The design of the certificate shall be prescribed by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles and the certificate shall be maintained in a manner and location prescribed by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles.
=======
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall issue to the sheriffs’ departments of the various counties, for use on state owned vehicles used by the departments, a special identifying number plate in numerical sequence preceded by the words “sheriff’s department.”
=======
P.L. 2014, ch. 59, § 1, and P.L. 2014, ch. 62, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall issue passenger car registration plates for any ambulance or rescue vehicle, used in transporting sick or injured patients, owned by a city or town or as part of a volunteer ambulance or rescue corps.
=======
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall issue to all police departments police motorcycle registration plates. These plates shall be imprinted with the words “police motorcycle” and shall be a distinctive color to distinguish them from standard motorcycle plates.
=======
=======
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall issue plates designated as “Ex-P.O.W.” upon application on proper forms furnished by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles to former prisoners of war (P.O.W.) of World Wars I and II, the Korean conflict, and Vietnam conflict. The plates may be issued for any motor vehicle eligible for registration as an automobile, or a commercial vehicle having a gross weight of ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs) or less. The applicant shall not be required to pay a registration fee or service charge for the plate. Upon the death of the holder of any P.O.W. plates, the plates shall be transferred to his or her surviving spouse for the spouse’s lifetime until he or she remarries.
=======
=======
P.L. 2021, ch. 77, § 14, and
P.L. 2021, ch. 78, § 14 enacted identical amendments to this section.
=======
P.L. 2015, ch. 137, § 1, and P.L. 2015, ch. 149, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
=======
The division of motor vehicles of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of former district court judge, Charles F. Trumpetto. This plate is to bear the identification “Chief Judge Emeritus” with a seal of the state imprinted on it and shall be furnished without additional registration charge for such period of time as Judge Trumpetto so desires.
=======
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of former family court chief judge, William R. Goldberg. This plate is to bear the identification “Chief Judge Emeritus 8” with a seal of the state thereon imprinted and shall be furnished without additional registration charge for such period of time as Judge Goldberg so desires.
=======
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of former police chief of the city of Woonsocket, Matthew Lynch. This plate is to bear the identification “Police Chief Emeritus” and shall be furnished without additional registration charge for such period of time as Matthew Lynch so desires.
=======
Upon the sale or transfer of title by a dealer of any used motor vehicle, the dealer shall execute and deliver to the buyer an instrument in writing in a form prescribed by the Rhode Island automobile dealers licensing commission which shall set forth the nature of the principal prior use of the vehicle when dealers know or have reason to know that the use of vehicle was a taxicab, police vehicle, driver education vehicle, rental vehicle, or vehicle which has been repurchased pursuant to chapter 5.2 or chapter 5.4 of this title, a similar statute of another state, or an arbitration or alternative dispute procedure.
=======
=======
P.L. 2021, ch. 119, § 1, and P.L. 2021, ch. 120, § 1 enacted
identical amendments to this section.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the motor vehicle of former police chief of the city of Newport, John C. Beebe III. This plate is to bear the identification “Police Chief Emeritus” along with an appropriate number and shall be furnished without additional registration charge for such period of time as John C. Beebe III so desires.
=======
=======
Former §
31-3-55
concerned U.R.I. centinnial plates.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of former United States representative, first district, Fernand J. St. Germain. This plate is to bear the identification “Congressman Emeritus”, along with an appropriate number and the plate shall be furnished without additional registration charge for such period of time as Fernand J. St. Germain so desires.
=======
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of former police chief of the town of East Greenwich, John T. Botelho. This plate is to bear the identification “Police Chief Emeritus”, along with an appropriate number and the plate shall be furnished without additional registration charge for such period of time as John T. Botelho so desires.
=======
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of former district court judge, Edward J. Plunkett. This plate is to bear the identification “Judge Emeritus” with an appropriate number and a seal of the state thereon imprinted and the plate shall be furnished without additional registration charge for such period of time as Judge Plunkett so desires.
=======
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of former representative Irving Levin. This plate is to bear the identification “Representative Emeritus” along with an appropriate number and the plate shall be furnished without additional registration charge for such period of time as Irving Levin so desires.
=======
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of former United States Representative, Second District, Edward Beard. This plate is to bear the identification “Congressman Emeritus” along with an appropriate number and the plate shall be furnished without additional registration charge for such period of time as Edward Beard so desires.
=======
=======
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of former fire chief of the city of Woonsocket, Gerald Landry. This plate is to bear the identification “Fire Chief Emeritus” along with an appropriate number and the plate shall be furnished without additional registration charge for such period of time as Gerald Landry so desires.
=======
=======
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of the former high sheriff of Kent County, Anthony A. Giorgio. This plate is to bear the identification “High Sheriff Emeritus” along with an appropriate number and the plate shall be furnished without additional registration charge for such period of time as Anthony A. Giorgio so desires.
=======
=======
P.L. 2017, ch. 448, § 1, and P.L. 2017, ch. 464, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of former district court judge, Paul DelNero. This plate is to bear the identification “Judge Emeritus” with an appropriate number and a seal of the state thereon imprinted and the plate shall be furnished without additional registration charge for such period of time as Judge DelNero so desires.
=======
History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 320, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 57, effective July 7, 2000.
P.L. 1993, ch. 320, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 57, effective July 7, 2000.
Former §
31-3-66
concerned Roger Williams University anniversary plates.
The administrator of the division of the motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of former family court judge Carmine R. DiPetrillo. This plate is to bear the identification “Judge Emeritus” with an appropriate number and a seal of the state thereon imprinted and the plate shall be furnished without additional registration charge for such period of time as Judge DiPetrillo so desires.
=======
The administrator of the division of the motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of former police chief Vincent A. Acciardo of the town of Johnston. The plate shall bear the identification “Police Chief Emeritus” with an appropriate number and seal of the state imprinted on the plate and the plate shall be furnished without additional registration charge for any period of time that former Chief Acciardo desires.
=======
The division of motor vehicles is authorized to suspend the registration of a commercial motor vehicle if the commercial motor vehicle is being operated by a commercial motor carrier that has been prohibited from operating in interstate commerce by a federal agency with authority to do so under federal law.
=======
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of Jeanna Sinotte, the widow of deceased Police Lieutenant John J. Sinotte of the town of Johnston. The plate is to bear the identification “Police Lt. Emeritus” with the designation number “20” and the seal of the state imprinted on it. The plate shall be furnished without additional registration charge for as long as Jeanna Sinotte desires.
=======
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of former State Supreme Court Chief Justice Joseph R. Weisberger. The plate to bear the designation “Chief Justice Emeritus”, with an appropriate designation number and the seal of the state imprinted on it. The plate shall be furnished without additional registration charge for as long as Chief Justice Weisberger desires.
=======
=======
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of Brooke McGregor, the widow of deceased Police Major Alister McGregor of the city of East Providence Police Department. The plate is to bear the identification “Police Major Emeritus” with the designation number to be chosen by the widow and the seal of the state imprinted on it. The plate shall be furnished without additional registration charge for as long as Brooke McGregor desires.
=======
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the motor vehicle of the former police chief of the town of Coventry, Roger J. Laliberte. This plate is to bear the identification “Police Chief Emeritus,” along with an appropriate designation number imprinted on it and shall be furnished without additional registration charge for long as Roger J. Laliberte so desires.
=======
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of former senator William Zuccarelli. This plate is to bear the identification “Senator Emeritus” along with an appropriate number and the plate shall be furnished without additional registration charge for such period of time as William Zuccarelli so desires.
=======
=======
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of the former Adjutant General of the Rhode Island National Guard, Reginald A. Centracchio.
This plate is to bear the identification “Adjutant General Emeritus” along with an appropriate number and the plate shall be furnished without additional registration charge for such period of time as Reginald A. Centracchio so desires.
=======
=======
=======
=======
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed upon request to issue a special registration plate in recognition of honorable service to the state of a former state general officer for the private passenger motor vehicle of said officer to bear the identification of “Governor Emeritus”, “Lieutenant Governor Emeritus”, “Treasurer Emeritus”, “Secretary of State Emeritus”, or “Attorney General Emeritus”, whichever applies, along with an appropriate number and the seal of the state imprinted on it. The plate shall be furnished without an additional registration charge for such period as the qualified former general officer so desires.
=======
=======
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of former Superior Court Judge, Vincent A. Ragosta. This plate is to bear the identification “Judge Emeritus” with an appropriate number and a seal of the state thereon imprinted and the plate shall be furnished without an additional registration charge for such period of time as Judge Ragosta so desires.
=======
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
Auction proceeds shall be apportioned and distributed for charitable purposes, in the discretion of the administrator, in accordance with such agreements as may be entered into with those entities holding ownership rights to the logos. The administrator is hereby authorized to enter into agreements for the use of logos on Rhode Island registration plates.
=======
P.L. 2017, ch. 224, § 1, and P.L. 2017, ch. 249, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
Twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be allocated to the general fund and the remaining twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be distributed annually to the Friends of Plum Beach Lighthouse, Inc. to assist in the fiscal needs required to maintain and protect this historic site for all to enjoy, and to continue in the fostering of the Friends of Plum Beach Lighthouse’s, Inc. presence as an asset to Rhode Island’s economic growth and prosperity. The distribution to the Friends of Plum Beach Lighthouse, Inc. shall be placed in a restricted account and shall be paid to the Friends of Plum Beach Lighthouse, Inc.
=======
P.L. 2013, ch. 446, § 1, and P.L. 2013, ch. 483, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 115, § 1, and P.L. 2018, ch. 227, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 115, § 2, provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on January 1, 2019.
P.L. 2018, ch. 227, § 2, provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on January 1, 2019.
=======
=======
P.L. 2010, ch. 207, § 1, and P.L. 2010, ch. 214, § 1 enacted identical versions of this section.
=======
P.L. 2012, ch. 49, § 1, and P.L. 2012, ch. 52, § 1 enacted identical amendments to this section.
>>>>>>> origin/main
Auction proceeds shall be apportioned and distributed for charitable purposes, in the discretion of the administrator, in accordance with such agreements as may be entered into with those entities holding ownership rights to the logos. The administrator is hereby authorized to enter into agreements for the use of logos on Rhode Island registration plates.
=======
P.L. 2011, ch. 21, § 1, and P.L. 2011, ch. 27, § 1 enacted identical versions of this section.
=======
P.L. 2011, ch. 202, § 1, and P.L. 2011, ch. 203, § 1 enacted identical versions of this section.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of former Family Court Judge Raymond E. Shawcross. This plate is to bear the identification “Judge Emeritus” with an appropriate number and seal of the state thereon imprinted and the plate shall be issued subject to the same terms and conditions as contained in §
31-3-47(d)
for such period of time as Judge Shawcross so desires. The provisions of §
31-3-17.1
shall apply with respect to the cost of issuance and registration.
=======
P.L. 2012, ch. 398, § 1, and P.L. 2012, ch. 410, § 1 enacted identical versions of this section.
=======
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 10, art. 1, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 3; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 3.
Compiler’s Notes.
Cross References.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-2-21.
Record of hearings.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 18, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-2-22.
Authority to enter into reciprocity agreements.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 294, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-2-23.
Denial of license or registrations for nonpayment of delinquent child support.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 29, § 11; P.L. 1995, ch. 374, § 11; P.L. 1997, ch. 170, § 19; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 3; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 3.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-2-24.
Service fees on returned checks.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 19, § 19.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-2-25.
Surrender of suspended license.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 282, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 375, § 1.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-2-26.
Surrender of suspended registration.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 282, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 375, § 1.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-2-27.
Technology surcharge fee.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 302, art. 4, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 7, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-2-28.
Expiration dates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 97, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 98, § 1.
Compiler’s Notes.
Chapter 2.1 Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Program
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-2.1-1.
Motor vehicle theft prevention program — Informed consent statement of owner — Issuance of vehicle decals — Authority to request production of valid driver’s license and registration.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 318, § 1.
Chapter 3 Registration of Vehicles
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-1.
Operation of unregistered vehicle.
History of Section.
Cross References.
Comparative Legislation.
NOTES TO DECISIONS
<<<<<<< HEAD
Recovery of Damages.
Collateral References.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-2.
Vehicles subject to registration.
<<<<<<< HEAD
History of Section.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-2.1.
Out-of-state motorized bicycles.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 327, § 2.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-2.2.
Registration of motorcycles, motorized bicycles, and motorized tricycles.
<<<<<<< HEAD
History of Section.
Applicability.
Collateral References.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-3.
Application for registration.
<<<<<<< HEAD
History of Section.
Cross References.
Collateral References.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-3.1.
Notice to division of motor vehicles of vehicle lease agreement.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 357, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 475, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 77, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 82, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-4.
Proof of payment of sales or use tax.
History of Section.
NOTES TO DECISIONS
<<<<<<< HEAD
=======
Construction With Other Statutes.
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-5.
Grounds for refusal of registration.
<<<<<<< HEAD
History of Section.
Compiler’s Notes.
Effective Dates.
Cross References.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-5.1.
Repealed.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 163, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1978, ch. 341, § 1.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-6.
List of vehicles on which taxes delinquent — Denial of registration.
<<<<<<< HEAD
History of Section.
Compiler’s Notes.
Effective Dates.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-6.1.
List of vehicles and licenses on which taxes delinquent — Denial of renewal of registration and licenses.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 595, art. 39, § 2.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-6.1.1.
Denial of registration — Denial of transfer of registration — Failure to file tax returns and/or pay taxes.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 12, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-6.2.
List of vehicles and licenses on which court costs owed delinquent — Denial of renewal of registration and licenses.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 595, art. 39, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 246, art. 23, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-6.3.
Unpaid out-of-state toll amounts, administrative fees, and fines — Denial of registration — Denial of transfer of registration — Denial of renewal of registration and licenses.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 336, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 340, § 1.
Compiler’s Notes.
Effective Dates.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-7.
Registration — Indexing of records.
<<<<<<< HEAD
History of Section.
Cross References.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-8.
Registration card — Contents.
History of Section.
Cross References.
Collateral References.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-9.
Registration card carried in vehicle.
<<<<<<< HEAD
History of Section.
NOTES TO DECISIONS
Complaint.
Evidence.
Registration Check.
Collateral References.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-10.
Issuance of registration plates.
History of Section.
Cross References.
Collateral References.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-11.
Contents of registration plate.
<<<<<<< HEAD
=======
History of Section.
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-11.1.
Permanent registration and plates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 39, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-12.
Visibility of plates.
History of Section.
Cross References.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-13.
Plates for rental or leased vehicles.
History of Section.
Collateral References.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-14.
Bailee and in transit plates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
History of Section.
NOTES TO DECISIONS
<<<<<<< HEAD
=======
Use Restricted.
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-15.
Special plates for state officers and mayors.
<<<<<<< HEAD
=======
History of Section.
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-16.
General assembly plates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
History of Section.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-17.
Volunteer fire company plates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
=======
History of Section.
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-17.1.
Courtesy plates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 79, § 1; P.L. 1963, ch. 133, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 63, § 1; P.L. 1968, ch. 97, § 1; P.L. 1968, ch. 101, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 2, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 301, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 214, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 250, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 338, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 10, art. 3, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 73, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 305, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 559, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 7, § 11; P.L. 2012, ch. 47, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 53, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 134, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 249, § 1.
Compiler’s Notes.
Effective Dates.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-17.2.
Civil defense plates.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 212, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-17.3.
Temporary plates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 285, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 29, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 328, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 178, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 296, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 113, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 122, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-17.4.
Firefighter plates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 605, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 220, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 378, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 394, § 1.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-18.
Display of plates — Penalties.
<<<<<<< HEAD
=======
History of Section.
Applicability.
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-19.
Registration of race cars.
=======
History of Section.
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-20.
Operation with manufacturer’s or dealer’s plates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
History of Section.
NOTES TO DECISIONS
In General.
Exemption From Liability.
Meaning of Words.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-20.1.
Operation with auto body repair shop plates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 373, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-21.
Use of bailee, transporter, and in transit plates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
History of Section.
NOTES TO DECISIONS
<<<<<<< HEAD
=======
Use Restricted.
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-22.
Service vehicles owned by dealer.
=======
History of Section.
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-23.
Application for dealer’s plates.
History of Section.
Cross References.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-23.1.
Limitation on number of plates.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 165, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-24.
Dealer’s certificate.
=======
History of Section.
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-25.
Issuance of dealer’s plates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
History of Section.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-25.1.
Cost of dealer’s plates.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 122, § 2.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-25.2.
Issuance of motorcycle dealer’s plates.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 22, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-25.3.
Issuance of boat dealer’s plates.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 325, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-26.
Expiration of dealer’s plates.
=======
History of Section.
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-27.
Responsibility for use of dealer’s plates.
History of Section.
Cross References.
Collateral References.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-28.
Rules and regulations as to plates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
History of Section.
Cross References.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-29.
Licensing of tow cars and tow trucks.
History of Section.
Collateral References.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-30.
Accident chasing by tow trucks.
=======
History of Section.
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-31.
Registration of farm vehicles.
<<<<<<< HEAD
History of Section.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-31.1.
Registration of street rods and custom vehicles.
<<<<<<< HEAD
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 310, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 457, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-31.2.
Custom vehicles — Definition — Registration and fees.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 310, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 457, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-31.3.
Registration of specially constructed vehicles.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 188, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 203, § 2; P.L. 2021, ch. 395, § 8, effective July 14, 2021.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-32.
Expiration of registration.
=======
History of Section.
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-33.
Renewal of registration.
<<<<<<< HEAD
=======
History of Section.
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-34.
Notice of change of address.
=======
History of Section.
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-35.
Notice of change of name.
History of Section.
NOTES TO DECISIONS
Divorced Licensees.
Use of Any Name.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-36.
Replacement of lost or mutilated registration card or plates.
=======
History of Section.
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-37.
Assignment of new identifying numbers.
=======
History of Section.
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-38.
Change of engines.
=======
History of Section.
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-39.
Amateur radio operator plates.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 196, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 485, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 241, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-40.
Special use identification tags.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1960, ch. 33, § 1; P.L. 1963, ch. 86, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 69, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 324, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 360, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 126, art. 11, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 29, § 2; P.L. 1998, ch. 296, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 103; P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 13, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-41.
Return of registration card and plates — Receipt.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 193, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 451, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-42.
Camper plates.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 217, § 3; P.L. 1977, ch. 218, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-43.
Sheriffs’ department plates.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 155, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 59, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 62, § 1.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-44.
Ambulance or rescue vehicles.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 218, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-45.
Police motorcycle plates.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1980, ch. 233, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-45.1.
Police registration plates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 433, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-46.
P.O.W. plates.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 127, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 253, § 2; P.L. 1987, ch. 588, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 34, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 30, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 220, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-47.
Judiciary plates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 195, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 52, § 2; P.L. 1998, ch. 442, § 4; P.L. 2008, ch. 1, § 9; P.L. 2021, ch. 77, § 14, effective June 23, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 78, § 14, effective June 23, 2021.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-48.
Plates for recipients of Purple Heart.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 53, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 345, § 2; P.L. 1989, ch. 482, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 186, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 56; P.L. 2002, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 137, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 149, § 1.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-48.1.
Plates for recipients of Distinguished Service Cross.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 246, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-49.
Chief Judge Emeritus — Charles F. Trumpetto.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 611, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-50.
Chief Judge Emeritus 8 — William R. Goldberg.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 481, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-51.
Police Chief Emeritus — Matthew Lynch.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 611, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-52.
Certificate of prior use.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 225, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-53.
Veterans’ plates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 458, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 354, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 186, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 402, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 426, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 454, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 30, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 156, § 2; P.L. 1992, ch. 334, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 411, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 305, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 126, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 323, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 460, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 428, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 212, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 343, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 642, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 59, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 68, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 10, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 11, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 152, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 510, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 142, art. 9, § 2; P.L. 2021, ch. 119, § 1, effective July 2, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 120, § 1, effective July 2, 2021.
Compiler's Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-54.
Police Chief Emeritus — John C. Beebe III.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 591, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 300, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-55.
Repealed.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 418, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 36 § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 39, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 57, effective July 7, 2000.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-56.
Congressman Emeritus — Fernand J. St. Germain.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 558, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-57.
Police Chief Emeritus — John T. Botelho.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 41, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-58.
Judge Emeritus — Edward J. Plunkett.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 276, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-59.
House Emeritus — Irving Levin.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 41, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-59.1.
Congressman Emeritus — Edward Beard.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 111, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-60.
Alternative design plates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 114, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 85, § 5.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-61.
Fire Chief Emeritus — Gerald Landry.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 142, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-62.
National guard plates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 143, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 97, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 101; P.L. 2003, ch. 130, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 144, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-63.
High Sheriff Emeritus — Anthony A. Giorgio.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 193, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-64.
Combination plates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 220, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 108, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 581, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 448, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 464, § 1.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-65.
Judge Emeritus — Paul DelNero.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 290, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-66.
Repealed.
<<<<<<< HEAD
History of Section.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-67.
Judge Emeritus — Carmine R. DiPetrillo.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 240, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-68.
Police Chief Emeritus — Vincent A. Acciardo.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 292, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-69.
Registration suspension based on federal determination.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 276, § 2.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-70.
Police Lieutenant Emeritus — John J. Sinotte.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 104, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 345, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-71.
Chief Justice Emeritus — Joseph R. Weisberger.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 401, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-72.
Special plate for Mr. Potato Head.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 138, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 382, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 66, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 178, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-73.
Police Major Emeritus, City of East Providence.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 220, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 252, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-74.
Police chief emeritus.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 52, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 243, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-75.
Senator Emeritus — William Zuccarelli.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 401, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-76.
Special license plate decal.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 255, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 260, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-77.
Adjutant General Emeritus — Reginald A. Centracchio.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 312, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-78.
Special plate for Rotary International.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 317, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 436, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-79.
Special plate for Audubon Society of Rhode Island/Save the Bay.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 384, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 437, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 353, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-80.
Reserve Forces plates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 643, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-81.
General state officers emeritus.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 381, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 487, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-82.
Special plate for WaterFire Providence.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 262, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 468, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-83.
Judge Emeritus — Vincent A. Ragosta.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 181, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-84.
Special plate in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 247, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-85.
Special plate for the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 191, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 193, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 224, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 249, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 346, § 21.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-86.
Special plate for Friends of Plum Beach Lighthouse, Inc.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 221, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 222, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 446, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 483, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 115, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 227, § 1.
Compiler’s Notes.
Effective Dates.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-87.
Special plate for breast cancer support.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 226, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-88.
Special plate in support of public education.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2010, ch. 207, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 214, § 1.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-89.
Rhode Island law enforcement memorial benefit fund license plates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2010, ch. 224, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 49, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 52, § 1.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-90.
Special plate for the Red Sox Foundation.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 21, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 27, § 1.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-91.
Special plate for the Bristol Fourth of July Committee.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 202, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 203, § 1.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-92.
Judge Emeritus — Raymond E. Shawcross.
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 398, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 410, § 1.
Compiler’s Notes.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-93.
Special plate for the Gloria Gemma breast cancer resource foundation.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 400, § 1.
=======
>>>>>>> origin/main
31-3-94.
Expiration of authorization of issuance of special motor vehicle plates.
<<<<<<< HEAD
>>>>>>> origin/main
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 256, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 355, § 1.